Good Afternoon all, So I am a recent want-to be convert to the idea of wet shaving that has decided to get a little more serious about it. Right now my exposure to web shaving has been using the $5 brush from Rite-aid with the generic soap and then using pretty much any cheap disposable razor. I like the idea of a nice clean shave and trying to cut down on some of the ingrown hairs I get... I have decided to finally spend some money and get a real DE razor, some nice soap/cream, and all the other fine works. I have been spending time in the review section and will be looking for the "well, you want to start wet shaving with a DE... this is what we recommend" thread in a moment. I have an Art of Shaving store near me so was tempted to go by there but will probably mail order most of the stuff once I figure things out. Brian
Welcome to TSD! Be sure to check out the January Newbie Give Away and you might just win some of that new gear. What you call "generic" soap is most likely either Van Der Hagen (green box) or Williams (white box). If it's Van Der Hagen, it's a good soap. If you have the Deluxe version, it's a real bargain. Williams is more hit and miss depending on water quality and isn't the easiest to lather well, but for some it's also considered a good bargain. Good call on taking a pass on AOS, they do have good products but are very expensive for products that most don't consider any better than other products at half the price or less. That's not a put-down of AOS; if you simply want nothing but the best and are willing to pay for it, AOS deserves consideration. But at that point personal preferance plays a big role.
Karavak Welcome to the Den As ChemErik says, there are a number of shave creams that represent better value for money than AOS; the three most generally available are Kiss My Face (hereinafter called KMF), Proraso, and The Body Shop shave cream. KMF offers a good unscented cream, as well as some nice standard scents, like lime and lavender. I find this stuff lathers best when applied straight to the brush. Proraso is mentholated, has a nice cool feel and lathers well no matter how you use it. The scent may take some getting used to. The Body Shop cream has a strong tropical fruit scent, and is really excellent soap. Look in your local grocery stores and pharmacies,and let us know what you find. As a starter razor look for a an old Gilette Tech or SuperSpeed. Buy from someone here in preference to EBay if that's possible. A Tech should run about $5 - $10, a SuperSpeed about $10 - $20. Take a look around your local antique and second hand stores and you might find something. Get yourself a sampler pack of blades from BullGoose here at TSD or WestCoast shaving. Go to YouTube and look up "Mantic" - best instructional videos going. As for the brush, "if it aint broke don't fix it". The one you've got will do to be going on with unless it's shedding. Sooner or later you'll want a better one but don't rush - do a little research. The priciest one is not necessarily the best for you. I, for example, do not like badger brushes. Own one, use it occasionally, but infinitely prefer my boar brushes and am really glad I didn't spend $100+ finding that out. That's about all I can think of for the moment. Best Regards goshawk
First off, Welcome to The Shave Den! A great community of guys and gals that enjoy wet shaving, I hope you enjoy your stay!
Welcome. I'm fresh out of wisdom and advice at the moment, but there's plenty here from other members. Enjoy!
