Is there any advice from anyone in here for someone who will be trying his first wet shave ever next week when my stuff gets shipped?
How many Wisconsin shavers we got in here?:happy102 How about Milwaukee areas? I'm a native Ohioan... people from the Buckeye state?
Might want to pack a lunch for that answer everyone has there own thoughts on that. What kind of set up are you getting... have you watched mantic59's videos on you tube? Fuzzy
Yeah, What is coming your way? If for whatever reason it includes Merkur blades you might want to hold off for a while. I agree with Fuzzy and watch the mantic videos and it will really help out alot.
Waves from NE Wisconsin! Welcome to TSD! Like others have said, watch the vids, read the stickys and hang out. Lots to learn but you'll be ready by the time your stuff gets to you.
In case no one mentioned it, watch matic's videos I think you should make several practice lathers before attempting you're first DE shave. A good lather is critical to DE shaving and it's rare to make good lather on your first attempt. I recommend starting with a dry brush and adding water slowly as you work it with the brush until you're at a point where you clearly have too much water. Keep feeling the lather as you add the water, paying particular attention to how "slick" it feels. When you make your actual shaving lather, aim for the slickest point you could feel. When you shave: no pressure, watch the angle, take your time. Let us know what equipment you've ordered, some items are unique and you may get additional advice.
Besides Mantic's videos? - Patience, patience, patience - Find one razor and blade and stick with it. You won't learn good technique by constantly changing razors/blades.
I agree with both. Good preshave. Slow and steady shaves. No pressure. Stick with one razor and one brand of blade for a good long time till you're getting great shaves.
here's a good laugh you could always do a dry run on your legs..:happy102 no one needs to know..:happy102 Ok but seriously i checked out this video on YouTube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XO2gMTNnyYk
I've been DE shaving for a couple of months, so I guess that qualifies me as a gen-u-ine noob. If you watched Mark's videos, then my suggestion is to take a dry run of a couple things before you shave the first time. 1) Get the lather right. A great way to do this is to build a lather that's way too dry, then gradually add water (checking every now and then), until it's big, shiny, and just right. Then, keep adding water (just a little at a time), until it passes just right and gets way into the soupy end of bad. This will give you a feel for how to make a good lather. For me, the lather is almost more important than the blade. 2) Spend a few minutes with your razor on your face without a blade in it. Get used to what "~30 degrees" looks like, how you have to hold your arm, and what it feels like to keep your wrist locked in place. That's it. Don't overthink it, just go for it. No pressure on the razor, start with a couple passes and don't go for BBS the first time out. Happy Shaves! Cheers, Tom
ditto about everything above. Watch the videos, read the stickies. Get a blade sampler pack. Patience and work on your technique. Oh... I was born in Door County, lived between Sturgeon Bay and Algoma until I was almost 10.
I absolutely agree with everyone here - Watch the video's first. I started by trying to get the lather right first! - Believe it or not I now understand what everyone means when they say the stuff you have been using out of the can is "goo". I understand now why everyone said go with a DE (double edge) blade versus the cartridge. Start by enjoying those videos that Mantic has created - trust me you will enjoy them. Once you get your stuff, practice getting your lather built. Second learn the pattern of your beard growth and practice with your cartridge razor and then slowly ease into your DE shaving. If you have to do one pass and then go back to your cartridge the next day until your DE blade is the only thing you are using. This is what I did and it's taken about 2 months to get to shaving with the DE every time. It is worth it but the time you put into this will bring about the best shaves you will ever have. Also, i can build a decent lather in roughly 1 minute...I times myself! (freak that I am!) The reason I got into this was that I just wasn't getting the quality of shave from the stuff I was using before I got my brush and soap kit for christmas. Oh and if you can, get yourself a tube of the Proraso - I can only get the green tube. Again, Absolutely worth it. Hope this helps
1. Watch Mantic's videos. 2. Practice making GOOD lather. (meringue like consistency works for me). 3. Always focus 100% of your attention to the task at hand. 4. If you'll be straight razor shaving, get your razor honed by a reputable honemeister. 5. Proper stropping and skin stretching are VITAL to a baby smooth shave.
Thanks I appreciate all of your assistance. To answer all of your questions: - Yes, I have watched the videos. Very helpful! - I have 3 razors that a friend ordered for me: - a 1980's Gillette Super Speed - a 1950's Gillette Super Speed - a 1920's Gem Eveready - I ordered an Omega Professional boar brush - I was given samples of creams, soaps, and aftershaves to try...too many to list - I also got a styptic pencil...I know I will cut myself I will be giving it a go tomorrow morning! I will let you all know how it went!
Personally I am nuts about super speed razors and I have eight of them that I have been shaving with for years and the only advice from a wet shaver who is crazy nuts about super speeds is to use the 50s super speed exclusively until you feel that you have gotten the hang of things. In my opinion the 50s is a lot more forgiving of a beginner then the 80's one is, which can be a bit harsh at times. I learned years ago with the 80s one then started with the 50s when I bought it and let me tell you I thought that the 50s was easier for a less experienced user. I also have a 20s gem eveready and I am not as happy with it. Its ok, but acts a lot like the 50s super speed. I would start with the super speed. As far as the soaps and after shaves - I recommend start with something non-alcoholic, I did not do that and let me tell you I would have been a lot happier if I had started with something with no alochol in it. How about blades? I have personally tried over thirty different brands and personally would recommend the Sputnik or Treet blades. Won't speek to the brush as I have no experience with it at all. Can't seem to tell what brand my current brush is, lable has worn off. This is just my opinion take it or leave it your option.
Love it! Thanks again to everyone for giving me you thoughts and suggestions. I have given it a try and it was awesome! There is just something special to whipping up the lather and shaving with a old school razor that has reinvigorated me. It is such a weird thing to say, but I had a blast shaving! Now, my first time was not perfect...there were areas missed, it was rough in some spots, and it was hard to get used to using so little pressure...but I only cut myself once!
I'm farily new, but here's my advice: Prep is very important. Shave after you shower if possible. Leave the face wet. Build later in a bowl and add water until it feel right. If it's too dry, the brush will kind of drag in the bowl. Add water until it moves smoothly. If you add too much water it gets too bubbly. After I later up, I try to let it sit on my face for a couple minutes. Take your time, but don't go so slow that the lather dries out. Don't be afraid, but be respectful of the blade. You can almost hear when the angle is right by the sound of the hairs being cut. Don't try to do it all in one pass. Start out doing two passes. One with the grain, one across the grain. When you have your technique down, add an against the grain pass. Again, I'm kind of new and these are just my humble thoughts. Hope it helps.
