Hi all, my name is Tom, and I'm a complete newbie to any type of shaving that doesn't use an electric. Truth be told, it's a little sad. I'm 30 years old, and only today asked my father about shaving seriously. He believed (and rightly so) that I was alright using an electric, which up to now has been fine. Lately, though, I've been using a regular razor, and getting far better results than I ever did with an electric, with only two exceptions: bumps and irritation. My face in the mornings looks like I had a fight with a mower. So, to that end, I asked the old man about strait and safety razors, creams, soaps,brushes and such, and he gave me a good start, but the one big thing he told me is that I have to find what works for me. His beard grows a lot like mine (in every possible direction, and a few impossible ones), so it was important to him that I understood the implications of finding the right combination of razor, shave cream/soap/powder, and aftershave, along with technique. The big problem with this is that I simply don't know where to start. Do I go with creams? Soaps? Powders? Strait or DE safety razor? Who do I get my stuff from? All those questions and more I'm hoping to get answered here. Any and all help would be appreciated. I'm constantly on the move, so any quick advice, or being simply being pointed in the right direction would be a big help. I'm not asking to be told what to do, just where to start looking, with any experiences thrown in. There's too much out there that's available, and I'm completely overwhelmed.
Welcome to the Den! I think you'll be very happy with this decision and you've come to the right place. If you want to start with an inexpensive "just get me started" kit (I think that's what you're saying) at the risk of telling you what to do here's what to do. Go to Amazon.com (or look in your local Walmart type of store (not sure if they make those in your neighborhood) and get a start kit and a Merkur razor. The Van Der Hagen Premium Shave Set will start you with everything you need except for the razor and blades. There are several types of Merkur razors-start with an inexpensive one ($30-60 range). Get some Merkur blades and most important get on U-tube and check out the Mantic59 videos-that will demonstrate and explain everything you need to know and more. You'll probably get more responses with different opinions. I started wanting simple and to just get started (in Dec 09} and now I'm deep into an incurable addiction of collecting vintage razors and mugs, creams, soaps, brushes... it's horrible---and awesome.
D Salazar: Thanks for the reply. As far as availability, this being Germany, Merkur is pretty widely available in mom-and-pop shops all over the country. But, also because this is Germany, electrics and newer brands are more available. Even though Germany is in Europe, you'll often find that things (at least by consumerism) are quite a bit like the U.S., there being the large home and department stores in just about every population center with more than 20,000 people. Don't think I'll have too much trouble on that score. As far as starter kits, there's tons of stuff out here that I can find. My primary problem is that I simply don't know where to start: creams or soaps or powder; multiple blade or safety razor; aftershave or not; and anything else you might imagine. I've found plenty of stores that have a huge selection as far as different types of stuff, and what I can't find in a store they can order for me or I can find online. When you suggested Merkur, I wasn't all that surprised, as that's a pretty prevalent brand in Germany (it being German and all, probably). Another brand that keeps popping up is Persona, a razor blade company my father highly recommends, mostly because he sees those in use in his job filling an industrial capacity, but also he says that the blades they make are perfect for personal use. Suffice to say, though, there's plenty of options. For lack of a better way of putting all this ramble, I just want a good idea of where to start. I'm tired of feeling like I've not shaved the hair off my face, but some of my face itself. I've got to have a clean chin every day for my job (being military and all), so having a good setup that won't feel like I've torn myself apart with sharp instruments every morning is definitely high on my list. Thanks for the response, again, I appreciate the advice; I'll be looking through everything else on the board as well, hoping for a little direction. If you've got any idea of product review sites, let me know. Also, anyone in Germany reading this, let me know if there's any good barber shops around the city of Trier (Rhineland-Palatinate state), so that I might get some tips on where to shop for cool stuff. I live only half an hour away from Trier, very near a town called Bitburg (which has no real barbers, hence the question), so any help I can get there would be awesome. Wordy and probably too long, but thanks anyways for taking the time to read!!!
Welcome to The Shave Den Tom! A great community of guys and gals that enjoy wet shaving, I hope you enjoy your stay! Be sure to sign up for the February Newbie Give-Away for a chance to win some great shave gear! Well, since you state that you are a complete newbie to this type of shaving, have a look at the Shave School sticky, there is lots of great info in there and if nothing else, be sure to watch Mantic's video series on wetshaving. His series is a gold mine of infromation on this hobby. For a razor, and considering your location and the fact you said Mekur's are easy to come by, that would be my choice. I would recommend either a Merkur HD (model number 34c or 178 are the same thing), or a Long Handle Classic (model number 23C or 180 are the same thing). For blades, a sampler pack is always recommended (links in the Shave School Sticky). Blade choice is a very personal thing, and what works for one person, may not work for another. As an example, I know you said your father likes the Personna line, but I personally have not had much luck with them, and I have tried the USA made line and the Isreali made Personna's. Finally for lather, I would recommend going with a cream to start as they seem to be easier for newbies to get right, and for using a cream and bowl lathering, I recommend a badger hair brush for that. Product reviews cane be found throughout the board and in the Reviews section too.
Welcome to the Den! For what ever my advice might be worth, concentrate on getting the lather right with soap, or cream, and a brush. Mantic59's youtube videos, already mentioned above, are helpful there. There are plenty of good soaps and creams out there. Are Proraso (Italian) or Musgo (Portuguese) easily available where you are? Although it may be heresy here, if you're in the military you're going to be in a hurry a lot of the time, so think about a twin blade cartridge razor. Is the GII (called the Trac II in the USA) still available there? How about the Contour (US name Atra)? These twin blades are not bad at all, and may be more forgiving to a learner in a hurry than a DE razor would be. I don't know about Europe, but in the US, you can still get twin blade cartridges at reasonable prices, unlike the ones with three, four, or five blades. Mind you, double edge razors are better, but you may need more time.
Welcome to TSD! I think Bill has covered most of what I would have said. If you do try a cartridge system, Slivovitz is right that the older twin blade systems seem to be easier on the face. I'd also avoid lubrication strips if you tend to get irritation.
As far as your suggestion about Mantic59, I appreciate it. I've gone and seen two videos so far, but I'm planning on going back and watching them again so I can takes notes (yes, it's that's important to not tear up my face). With product availability over here, I'm sure that I could find a shop that has other European brands more easily than in the U.S., but one hangup for me is that I'm moving in September, so if I find I like a European product over an American one (or more widely available one), I've got to nail down shipping and such. Don't know where I'm moving just yet, but should know in a few months. I've seen Proraso (I think), but don't remember where; I'll start really looking today. You're right in that I'll be in a hurry a lot, but right now I drive a desk instead of my normal outside job on a fighter jet, so I've got a routine set up where I just wake up 2.25 hours earlier than my shift start, and I can have enough time for a comfortable shave. Lately, my shave routine is taking about five to ten minutes with shave gel and a regular cartridge razor (one of those newfangled 5-blade jobbers), so taking the extra time won't hurt too much unless I go somewhere for the job, which isn't likely to happen. Still, the advice on starting on the lower end is appreciated; there will be those days that I'm in a fog and don't want to cut my throat. Couldn't tell you anything on that score. I've been focusing so hard on getting a DE that I haven't really looked at anything else. I'll start looking today at any stores that happen to be open (not many, as the region I live in is predominately Catholic, so everything closes on Sunday). Thanks for all the suggestions so far everyone. I'll let you know what's up with my search in a few days!
No Luck so far As the title implies, I've had no luck so far. The one store I was able to find anything off-base at had only two Merkur handles, and no blades for them. This being Germany, everything is in Euro, with translates too being more expensive. I'm not trying to be a Heeb (I'm a Jewboy, so I'm allowed to say dumb stuff like that), but money is even tighter for me than other folks because of where I work (I didn't come into the Air Force for the pay, that's for sure). I'm still looking for a cartridge system with fewer blades and the 5-blade monstrosity that I've got now, but I'm told by my supervisor that the local barber sells stuff, on top of doing shaves and blocking and all that cool stuff with a straight razor; I'm thinking I'll find all kinds of cool stuf at this guy's shop. With the other stuff, I've picked up a boar hair brush on base at the base exchange, along with a cake of soap. The boxes on both only had VDH on them, didn't actually spell out Van Der Hagen, but I think it's the same stuff. I tried it this morning, but the results were a little harsh (I've been using a brush my Dad gave me that was working pretty well, so I don't know if that had to do with the brush being new or not). I also picked up a few gels in a can, most notably something from Aveeno that a friend likes, who also wet-shaves with a straight, so I wanted to try it out. I've also got some stuff in a tube, but I don't think it'll be something I like (can't remember the name, the whole thing just looked off-brand, costed only $5). That's the update for now, I'll keep ya posted.
Welcome to the Den! I think you'll get lots of good advice, but always start with the lather. find a decent brush (doesn't have to be expensive--Omega boar, Tweezerman badger, lots of options) and a decent soap or cream (Van Der Hagen Deluxe lathers well, I find and is cheap as all get out) will get you a good start. Build a lather, and the shave will come...
welcome to the den, i also recently starting wetshaving I jumped into DE bc st8 is a huge jump from mach 3 and especially electric i think, and i was able to find pretty much everything expect the razor i googled that one but i found it all on the internet and mainly amazon.com
My newest adventure into madness OK, so, as the title implies, I've lost my mind a little bit. After some soul-searching, I finally decided to shell out the dough to get a Merkur and a small blade assortment pack off the internet from Lee's Razors, along with a few soaps and creams, so wish me luck. Also, I've gotten a little obsessed with cleanliness, at least when it comes to my face. In that vein, I read about OCM, or, Oil Cleansing Method. If you haven't read or heard of this yet, its basic premise is using various combinations of oil, primarily using Castor oil as the reagent, to clean one's skin. It actually works, I can attest to that, but, whether or not it improves one's skin, I can't say anything yet (I'm only on day two of the regimen). Being that I live in Europe, I'm able to go to an old-fashioned apothecary (they're like a cross between a chemist/druggist back home, along with doctorate level pharmacists, and have all kinds of cool stuff that you can just walk in and buy on a cash basis, from medicine, to bandages, to oils, to getting an actual consultation). That really helped with getting all the needed oils and stuff for OCM, so I'm off the deep end there. I know it sounds ludicrous, using oil to clean one's face, but it works; I'm just not sure if it'll improve my skin or not. I've got a long history with blackheads in the "T-Zone", and I've been "waging chemical warfare on my face," to quote Beergrin in another thread, for so long, that I'm desperate to try anything that might actually work. At 30, I need to save my sanity from the battle fatigue caused by adult acne (that's partially why I began this whole wetshaving fanaticism). I have a cheap DE razor from the local market I've been trying from Wilkinson Sword, but it's hit-or-miss as far as getting even a decent shave. I was only able to find off-brand blades, so I'm not sure what to problem is. I've laid all of that to the side while waiting on the Merkur and blade packs in the mail, in the hope that it's not my fault, just poor products. I'm sticking with the 5-blade monstrosity now, even though I know it's not the best. It's just that it's all that I know for sure will work. That's all I have for now. I'll keep ya'll posted.
Good luck Tom, I hope that OCM solves the problem for you, keep us up to date on how things go for you.
Tryouts and such OK, so, I've got all my stuff from Lee's razors, and I'm impressed. Picked up a Merkur 38c, a bunch of creams and lathers, a blade sampler pack (starting with the Merkur Blades, it's also got Personna, Derby, Feather, don't know what to start with, figured the Merkur would be a good choice wince that's the handle manufacturer) and a few other nice things. But, here's a concern: I've got a small face, and the Merkur is pretty big. I'm worried about getting it under my nose and chin (I have a really angular face), so I'm wondering if there's a razor out there that's smaller that I could use. I've gotten so used to using cartridge razors the last month (trying to get used to wetshaving with it) that it's difficult to get the Merkur wrapped around my face. I know, the whole "you need experience" thing, but I can't help but think that the Merkur is simply too large. A few folks have suggested that I use an injectable or Mach 2 setup, as I'm in the military, and could be expected to be in a hurry, but I'd still like to take the time for a good shave. If, by having a DE, I am able to force myself to take the time for a good shave, then I don't think I'll have a problem. Does anyone have any suggestions?
Gutten Tag, Tom! Welcome to TSD! I will make a short recommendation. If I would have been noob, and asked for recommendations, I would have loved to be pointed to the following gear: Muhle R89 Sample of Blades Speick Stick or Speick Cream(can be found in Germany I suppose) Palmolive Stick or creams are also great(easy to find in Germany) Boar or Badger Brush(HJM brushes also found in Germnay) Styptic Pencil Now you are ready to go! I would recommend to use the Muhle R89 with a Super Iridium blade. My favourite Check out the vendor's section. There are 2 vendors in Europe. Happy shavings. Tiberiu
Hi Tom, sorry I read your post to late. In the corner where you live I'm not very familiar. If you are looking for a cartridge razor anymore send me a PM and I can give you a GII ond a contact derivate with some blades. Go and get Speick and Palmolive and you will have a good start. For the beginning you can also buy a Balea badger. It's quite ok for the money. Schöne Grüße aus Bayern, Stefan
A (not-so) quick update OK, so, it's been waaaaay too long since my last post, so I'm writing a complete update with all the info I can remember. As far as the OCM, it's not working all that well. I actually ended up going to a dermatologist, who recommended I continue doing OCM, with an adjusted ratio of castor oil to jojoba oil, only once or twice a week, as opposed to daily. She also prescribed an acne medication, and said that I should wash my face twice daily with normal soap. That was about four weeks ago. I can say that without OCM, my face wouldn't have improved too much, but my skin is much better than it's been in years; I actually got complimented on my complexion having been improved my several girls that I work with (not that I’m complaining or anything). A big reason for my improvement, though, is probably due to getting better at shaving. I have gotten progressively better shaves ever since starting, and it seems now I only need two or three passes to get a near-BBS shave every morning, no matter how foggy I am. I’ve found a few soaps and creams that work pretty well here, and can easily find them anywhere I go (even though they’re on the high end of cost, but I’m single, so not too much money leaves): Taylor of Old Bond Street, Tabac, and Miller’s. Haven’t used too much in the way of aftershave, since the soaps and creams leave a nice scent behind that the girls like, but I did take to using an alum bar. I thought witch hazel might help, but I was still getting bumps after two weeks of use. Now, with the alum bar, I don’t get any bumps at all, I just have to be careful when using it; stings like all hell! I’ve moved on to trying a new razor, the open-comb style from Merkur (I seem stuck on them), but after only two shaves, I’m not so sure. My old man said to look at the slant-bar (that’s what he used back in the day), so I’ve got one in the mail now; at least I’ll have a good choice every morning. I’ve also figured out a few good blades that work, but still haven’t had the stones to try a Feather yet. That’s probably way down the road, when I know that I can get a good shave with just about anything. Still leaning towards getting a straight, and it’s a good thing that I’m thinking about it now; I’ve found out that this September I’m going to move back to the U.S., to a base in North Carolina, just a short bit from Raleigh, so I won’t have any problems getting cool stuff, or someone to help teach me. My Dad said he’s gonna stay overseas in his new job for another six months yet, so it’ll be a long time before I’ve got him teaching me. He’s gonna come visit me in a few months before I leave, so maybe I can get started with a straight then, who knows. That’s about all the update that I’ve got for now. Sorry all for the rambling, just trying to keep it short is pretty hard for me. I would say that I like hearing myself talk, but I’m not sure that applies to a forum.
