I've always used disposable razors (I know) but woud like to start using a DE razor. If you had to recommend the best razor, brush, and cream for a total newbie what would it be? There's a ton of different products out there and it's hard to decide where to start. Thanks...looking forward to that first shave.
First Welcome to the den. And there is no one best starter kit. I would say go to one online store and buy a SS or a merkur. Then a blade sampler and maybe some cream. I really like TBS, TRSC, there are many good soaps. Can check the review sections for some. Many good companies. Also many people love Omega brushes for a cheap option. There will be many more responses but that is what i would say. Pick up a cheap razor and blade sampler. That will get you started with any cream.
Id like to say welcome to the den and i hope you enjoy our company. Your question is loaded for sure. I started off with a merkur 34C and an Art of shaving kit. You can start off much cheaper for sure. Amazon has a Kit made by vanderhagen for 25 bucks. this gets you a brush, stand, mug and soaps. Its really a killer value from what i can tell. If you like vintage stuff like a lot of us do, a gillette super speed or tech is a great starter pieceand can be had readily on fleabay and possibly the classifieds on here. I love both of them and shave with them pretty heavily in my rotation. The shave den store is a great place to get samplers of blades and various creams. West coast blades is another great vendor as well as vintage blades and bullgoose shaving. You'll find everyone on here very friendly and ready to give good advice. Check out the shave school section and mantic's videos.
There actually is a pretty nice kit in TSD store. http://www.theshaveden.com/store/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=230 The razor alone is usually 30+ And the brush is a decent brush. And you get 2 packs of blades and a razor pouch. If you were to get that, a sampler from TSD and TSD soap/cream. Or a cream sampler you would be very happy.
Welcome to TSD! This is the best wet shave board on the planet! You ask which is the best brush / razor / cream etc... to start with... Make sure you check HERE but in doing so, you may have more questions that what you started with... S ask yourself: "self, do I want a new or vintage razor?" once you have an idea if you want a new or vintage razor, you can begin to narrow down your choices. Then you have to know what you want to spend! Then you have to choose between Twist To Open (TTO) or 3-Piece. My opinion? - If you want a 3-piece "New Razor" buy an Edwin Jagger 89L. If you want a "Vintage Razor" buy a Gillette Ball End Tech or a Star tech. If you want to buy a "New" TTO with butterfly doors buy a Weishi Gunmetal finish. If you want a "Vintage" TTO, find a Schick Krona or Gillette Super Speed. Also spend a few days watching the SOS Threads those thread will give you a great idea of what is popular. Definitely get a blade sampler regardless of the safety razor that you choose. A lot of folks start with Williams and Van Der Hagen soaps and a Van Der Hagen Boar brush because they are available locally in the U.S and they are an okay place to start. In the end,really, there is no "One Way" to go. We can all give you opinion, but it is up to you to decide what is best for you. I have been at this for a year and still have much to learn, much to buy, much to try.
Welcome to The Shave Den! That is quite a loaded question and as you've seen there are many possible answers. I think The Shave Den starter kit would be a fantastic start-that's one of my favorite razors. If you get it I agree with Stingray-get more blades and try a lot of different ones before settling on the one you like. The VDH starter kit is quite impressive but then you'd need a razor and blades. The EJ is a very nice beginner razor as are many of the Merkur razors. Good luck and never hesitate to ask any of us if you have specific or general questions.
The answer to your prayers has been shown to you, buy that starter set and while your there check out the soaps and creams and get some samples to give you a variety. Just don't forget to get some more blades to try out.
First, welcome to the Den. Jeff (and others) have given some great advice. Check out links 4 and 5 from the link Jeff has below.
TSD I went ahead and ordered the starter pack from The Shave Den along with the razor sampler pack and some soap. Many thanks for all the excellent advice - really made my choice a lot easier.
