Ive been wet shaving for a couple of months now and loving it, And i just found this forum today! Current setup: Merkur HD w/ Astra blades Edwin Jagger "best badger" brush Proraso shaving cream and I finish with an Alum block and aloe. Ive been trying to keep the whole process simple while learning the technique, and i think its time to start trying some new creams/or soaps, and improve on my pre and post shave. Any good suggestions for a decent routine for normal skin? Any soaps stick out as being ideal? Thanks!
Welcome to TSD! You have a nice setup. QED sells some nice shave sticks. Tabac shave soap has a lot of fans as well.
Welcome to TSD for soaps Mama Bears are very good easy to lather and come in about 100 or so scents, I would also suggest trying a sampler of TSD soaps for $2 a piece you can't beat it as a way to try new soaps and scents
Welcome to TSD! Soaps: Tabac (puck or stick), Irisch Moos (stick), Speick (stick), Institut Karite (puck), Mitchell's Wool Fat (puck), Palmolive (stick), La Toja (stick), The Shave Den, QED... Creams: La Toja, Ingrams, The Shave Den Regular and/or Wheat Germ... I'm sure I missed quite a few favorites....
Welcome to TSD!Good gear to start up.Wait to try the good soaps and creams and you would be totally hook up!
Glad to have ya here...you will hear lots of opinions on what others like. I would recommend gathering the names and trying samples to see what you like and then order the full product. The TSD store is a good place for sample.
i did what it sounds like you did...i used a krona loaded with derby blades and TOBS Sandalwood Shave Cream and Lucky Tiger AS and Tonic for the 1st month or so...just stuck with the same set up based on advice from more experienced members. curiosity and wanting to try the other razors that i had begun to pick up because of my acquisition disorder caused me to start experimenting....but i think i built good technique because i stuck with one set up while i learned my new craft. Anyways all i can tell you is what worked for me. Sampler blade packs are good too for when you start trying out different blades. These are the two places i know of to get sample packs, each store has multiple packs...you can compare prices and size and determine the one best for you. http://connaughtshaving.com http://westcoastshaving.com/
One of my first purchases was a sampler pack of blades, because I really had no idea what to choose from. So far iIve tried persona, merkur, derby and lord. I have a few packs of feathers here, but I've decided to stay away from them until I perfect my technique, if they are as sharp as everyone says they are. For now my favorite are probably the astras, although I need to try 7 o'clocks.