Hello all! I have been studying up on wet shaving for about a month now. I am 43 years old and started shaving when I was in 8th grade using a three or four blade to help support the big companies. About 10 years ago I switched to a really nice foil electric but have never been truly satisfied with the performance on my neck. Well, I finally decided to try something new and man up to a de shave. I am a little nervous but here is where I am at in the process (what I have ordered): Razorock Mission de razor (comes with 4 different blade brands) Whipped Dog 22mm Silvertip Badger brush (46-47 mm loft)...hey, I said I was studying! Razor stand (gotta hang the brush and razor, right!?!) Razorock Mudder Focker shave soap Strop Shoppe Baker Street (with tallow) shave soap Alum block (100 grams Gentlemen Joe) So, other than a styptic pencil, do I need anything else to begin my new journey on the whisker battle front? Did I do ok with the equipment ordered thus far? I should receive everything by Tuesday...do I need to ease into this or can I dive right in? I am a bit nervous that I am going to sever my jugular...well, maybe not that nervous, but it is quite intimidating to start this procedure after 30 years of shaving. Any advice is appreciated! Thank you for allowing me to post and I appreciate you allowing me into your fraternity, if you would be so kind as to allow me into this fine forum! Best regards, Derhey
Looks like a good set up ya got there. I would advise to start with the lathering process first and get that down fairly well before rolling on to the double EE. Also it's a good idea to watch you're vids if you already haven't. As for success, well you've got statistics on you're side..84% of people who dive in tend to succeed and stay with the program. And there is us..and we know everything about shaving.. So you're good to go..welcome to TSD!.
Welcome to the Den! Looks like you are off to a great start! I second SipperyJoe's comments. All of mantic59's videos are great pre-research.
Thanks for easing my concerns....I will watch the vids prior to starting as well. Thanks again and I look forward to being a part of this forum.
Since you are new to the Double Edge world, here is the advice I received when I started with a DE and so I freely give it to new users. The most important things in shaving are, your skin and technique. All other things fall in line behind those two things and to support them. Since the skin is a given fixed item, the next major item is technique. It is called THE 30 DAY RULE. THE 30 DAY RULE is as follows: Find a razor, then a blade that will not cause issues with your skin (that may take a few different blades in a sampler pack to find a suitable choice or it maybe the first out of the gate) and select a soap or cream that is easy to generate good lather. Once you find those, and it may take a couple of weeks to find this combination, order a quantity of that blade enough for 30 days, and then spend 30 days using nothing else until you build up your technique. (Note that only one brand blade is used for 30 days after each blade in the sampler pack is tested to make the decision on the blade brand to use for 30 days.) The 30 day clock starts when you have the right blade for you. After 30 days, change one and only one variable and work for another week then change another after another week. At that point you should be able to make better decisions because your technique is now in place. This will help you to avoid buying too much gear and stuff too soon without having the technique down to enjoy it all. This really does work. Oh and one more thing ... Welcome to the Den. We know you'll fit right in. So grab yourself a comfy chair, and give our threads a spin! Burma Shave
Wow, everyone makes me feel so welcome and I sincerely appreciate that fact as well as all of the advice. GDCarrington and SlipperyJoe, thanks for the posts. One thing I forgot to post initially is that I received a few different blades with my razor purchase. I will try them all to see what I like but which of the following would you guys recommend with my first go (ie. which blades is the "mildest")...Astra (platinum), Rapira, Treel, and I believe a Gillette blade. Again, thank you all for your advice!
Welcome, I think it sounds like you have a good start, and everyone here is so knowledgeable too. As far as blades, you just have to try them out, everyone has different preference. I like the Astras myself, among others. Your first shave will be awesome, just pay attn. to prep and all that and don't be afraid.
to TSD "Derhey" Looks like you've got a good beginners kit. I would recommend adding a large blade sampler pack and a good preshave(I use Corn Huskers Lotion it's cheap and locally available) and a good post shave balm my choice is Nivea post shave balm for sensitive skin).
Thanks Eddie! I will look for Corn Huskers Lotion. I plan on picking up a razor sample pack from Amazon. I am starting to get my orders and will try out my first wetshave this weekend. Thanks again for all your support!
All is can say is, "Wow!". I gave it my first go last night and I haven't has as smooth a face since I was 5 years-old! Why don't more people use the wet shave method? I watched some of the how-to videos, used no pressure or wrist and ended up ZERO cuts and nicks. Just a great experience...I am hooked from the get go. Thanks for all of your support and advice gentlemen! I look forward to being an active part of this forum.
