I've been shaving for about 9 years (25 years old). I quit shaving due to pain, razor burn, and the fact that when I'm done shaving, I can feel the stubble against the grain. I'm OK with a bit, but the proliferation of blades (I started at 2 and I'm up to 4) and the resulting issues has caused me to go back to the basics. As a result, I just ordered a Merkur, a sample pack of blades, some Taylor of Old Bond Street shaving cream, and a Porter's badger brush off of Amazon. I have high hopes after finding out that there is a community of men dedicated to shaving (I don't think there are Schick or Gillette forums...I could be wrong). I currently consider it a chore. Thankfully my job allows stubble, so I trim with my beard trimmer and get on with life. Hopefully in about 10 days, when the package arrives from Amazon, shaving will become something I enjoy.
Welcome to the Den! Lots of spots to look in Chicago Mertz Apothecary (Smallflower.com) has a lot of wet-shaving supplies. There is also Truefitt and Hill. You can get a cheap synthetic brush in The Body Shop. THey also have other creams as well. C.O. Bigelow which is also sold in Bath and Body Works... of course if you really want to shell out money there is Art of Shaving...
Welcome to TSD! I hope you enjoy your stay. Sounds like you have some awesome gear heading your way. :signs107 If you haven't already, be sure to watch Mantic's outstanding video series while you are waiting on your kit to arrive. Be sure to keep us up to date on your progress, and feel free to ask any questions you may have. The members on this board are a very friendly bunch that just love to help new members.
Thanks for the welcomes I was going to go to some stores, but I work downtown and am fairly busy. I just started looking into DE a few weeks ago and decided to take the plunge. I think it's another step on the path towards actual manhood. Next up: kung fu.
More of a Matrix reference, but Kung Fu is a good movie as well. I'm at home now, having already moved on to the other bastion of manhood: Leinenkugel's Honey Weiss. A good beer for a rainy and humid Chicago evening. I am going to check out those movies now, thanks for the tip.
My Items Here is a detailed list of my order (feel free to critique or whatever): Porter's Badger Brush: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00019DODU/?tag=thshde-20 Merkur Safety Razor: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000NL0T1G/?tag=thshde-20 Taylor of Old Bond Street Shaving Cream: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001L6X522/?tag=thshde-20 Sample Pack of Blades: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001PZEHIK/?tag=thshde-20
The Merkur razor usually comes with a blade. It's advisable to not use that blade, or Merkur blades at all. There are some people who like the Merkur blades, but most people don't. But specifically the included blade; throw away. The Taylors of Old Bond Street Avocado shaving cream is my favorite commercially available shaving cream. Excellent! Don't expect the scent to be avocados, nor guacamole, though. Can't really describe the scent. The scent is a love or hate thing usually.
I watched the videos last night. I'm pretty certain that it will be an enjoyable and yet semi-bloody experience the first time. I got the sample pack because I want to give this the best shot I can. I didn't want to skimp to see "how it works for me." If it really is to be a good experience, I can't imagine it being as good with inferior quality tools. That is not to say I'm going to spend $200 on a badger brush the first time. I'm big on price/performance ratio and, as a fantasy baseball fan, I know about VOR (Value Over Replacement). Meaning: if I was to replace A with B, how much would I gain or lose and is the cost difference worth it? I can't wait
:sihns011 She knows of what she speaks! As far as the razor goes, thats a great choice, I own one myself. I came back to using it for the last shave theme week and had outstanding results. TOBS Avocado is a great cream too. I liked it so much my daughter has stolen it from me for her own use. :mad:
Sample packs are a good choice. There are a lot of online vendors with great sample packs for blades. That is a good assortment. I have used most of those blades. I would save the Astra blades and the Bics until you have a little technique mastered. They are a bit sharper than the Derby or Persona Red pack blades which are excellent when you are starting. You chose a good razor handle as well. I can't really say anything about that brush. An expensive brush isn't a requirement by any extreme. I got by just fine with a cheap Van Der Hagen boar from Walmart. I have use a few brushes; however, the best ones for me are a cheap ever-ready that I put a new knot in (also not expensive) and a Semogue 1305 which with shipping from Portugal cost less than $20. There isn't any need to go down the $200 brush route. If the Porter lathers well and treats your skin well, then that should be all you need.
Man! that's exactly the samplepack I wanted after realizing mine had less brands for the same price haha. Seems you carefully selected your items before clicking the "proceed to check out" button d(^_^d) Update us with photos and text when they arrive to your home
Welcome and Enjoy I also am from The big city. This place is a wealth of information and instruction. Shaving is an art to be enjoyed.... If you have a problem post it in one of the forums you will get the correct answer. Your off to a good start with great tools and a place for great info and friends. Enjoy it.
I'll try the pack out...A week per blade as suggested elsewhere. If I find something I really hate after a shave or two, I may just have to box it up and ship it out to you Compa. The blades shipped today. The rest is stuck in Amazon's "Free Super Saver Shipping" purgatory.
