Hi from the UK, folks! Thought I'd register as I've been reading stuff here for a little while, but never thought to make an account. I decided to scrap the cartridges after some severe razor burn from even minimal use - I started using the "precision blade" on the back of Gilette Fusion razors almost exclusively, and then thought "what's the point in using a cartridge"! Recently picked up a Merkur 32C, a big bunch of Astra SP blades, and a few Merkur ones. Haven't got around to a brush or soap yet, so I'm using my old shave gel for now; it's already an improvement, but I'm definitely planning to grab a brush and soaps when I've got some money!
Glad you landed here. UK guys always welcome. I have a great English NEW I'm shaving with this week. Click on the pic.
to TSD "Aeacus" Well you have some good hardware! Although you may want to consider obtaining a sample blade pack. In my experience the more blades you can try the better in your search for the "BEST" blade/blades for your face. Your certainly in the right place(UK) to get a good brush and some stellar soap. And don't you worry, now that your a member here at TSD, we will happily help you spend any extra money you have laying around, on shaving gear..
Welcome to the forum. I just joined this week and now very impatiently waiting for delivery of my first DE and brushes, yes I ordered a couple different types, I can be weak at times....
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
welcome! theshavedenshop.com has some different blades you can try, a blade sampler is a good thing to try...I am currently doing the 30day rule per @GDCarrington and his post above. DE shaving does not have to be expensive...You should try Arko soap (easy to find online)...it's very inexpensive and easy to work with. Also, brushes don't have to be super costly, my fave (omega 48) costs about (US)$13. DE shaving is technique driven...learn to shave well...let your skin heal...and mostly, I hope you enjoy yourself!
Well, Aeacus, I did some research and got the "dirt" on you. Your dad is Zeus and your mom is Aegina! Welcome to TSD and to the world of DE shaving. Enjoy!
