Checking in for the first time- Newbie from Cleveland

Hi everyone,

I just made the switch to shaving with a DE safety razor. So far, I have had two shaves and I can tell I am really going to enjoy it. I hated my old razor, one of those awful five blade razors, and dreaded shaving. I am already getting a closer shave with less irritation with my new DE razor.

I have a really basic set-up as of now. I picked up a Lord 3 piece razor, some Astra premium blades, and a soap/ boar brush kit from Omega. I know some of these products may not be the best, however, for just over $30 I figured it was a great starter set.

I am looking for suggestions on pre and post shave products. I am also interested in tips on getting a better lather. Lastly, I am struggling with shaving my neck. I am not keeping a good angle and have managed to cut myself a few times.

Thank you in advance for your help! I am looking forward to becoming a part of the shaving community here and learning more shaving tips and tricks. I relied on this site heavily before trying DE shaving and I plan on continuing to rely on it.

 

Welcome to TSD. I use a homemade pre shave oil most days - it is pretty much equal parts of castor, sunflower, macadamia nut and olive oils. Just a small amount rubbed in and marinating the whiskers while I putter around with the soap. I always use an aftershave. I have Captain's Choice Bay Rum, Cat O'Nine Tails and Lime as well as Old Spice, Proraso Green and Aqua Velva Musk.

6 months into this adventure and I finally got my neck nice and clean yesterday. I just try and work on angle, no pressure and beard prep every day. The nice thing about shaving is that it's not a one and done affair, if I don't get good results today, I know I can try again tomorrow.

Basic is good. I would not rush into replacing everything. I love my 3 piece razors. If Astra blades work for you, there is no reason to change. Omega makes a fine brush and it should last you quite a while.

Good luck and do let us know how you are doing!

 

I like the Lord razor, assuming its the L6 since that's the only one I've used! I would suggest getting the shave den sampler pack. With shipping its around $15 and 36 blades. Try different blades until you find a few that work, then pick one and use that type exclusively for a month to get your technique down.

As for lathering, I had issues until I started using a lot more water and then I had no problems. If you want to try some different soaps Giant Eagle usually carries a few Van Der Hagen soaps for about $2 each, less in sale. Heinens has Williams which is often on sale for $1.

 

Welcome to TSD! I had a problem with my neck also, keep at it, very little pressure. Glad you are here..

 

Welcome, nice to have you here.

 

Welcome, all I can suggest is to practice and develop your technique. The neck is a complicated area when starting out, so just go slow and learn what works best for you...You will get the hang of it in no time.

 

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

 

Hi, I just checked in myself. I'm in Berea, where ya at?
Dale

 

Welcome! I love the proraso white pre/post shave cream. Works really well and had menthol in it... Very refreshing in the summer time. I only use it pre shave though. Enjoy your stay.

 

Hi! Welcome to the Den.
Be sure to sign up for the June Newbie Give-Away.

 

Maaan, necks are the worst!
Welcome virprobus

 

welcome to the den. another Buckeye. I'm in Twinsburg. pretty new myself. alot of good info here. i just read and practice. getting a little better. enjoy yourself, very friendly shavers here.

 

Thanks for the warm welcome. For the other Clevelanders, I am in Cleveland Heights.

 

Welcome! I'm making my first trip to Cleveland tomorrow morning, can't wait.

I'm also in my first 30 days - best advice I've gotten for pre/post shave was to use an alum block & alcohol free witch hazel after shaving. My neck has healed up beautifully since I implemented these - first time I haven't had bumps/redness on my neck since I started shaving.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001DJDP7C/?tag=thshde-20

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004NEHR28/?tag=thshde-20

 

When you arrive, and you don't like the weather, wait five minutes. Trust me, I can see the control tower from here and we will have something different for you.
Welcome to The Shave Den and welcome to Cleveland.

 

Enjoy your stay in Cleveland, try to see Rock+Roll Hall Of Fame.

 

That's on the to-do list along w/ 2 games at Progressive Field, Great Lakes Brewing Co & the West Side Market. Possibly the art museum too depending on how time goes.

 

Welcome to The Shave Den!