Newbie to DE razor!

[hahler2]

Hey guys. Been a long time lurker. I've been using disposable cartridge razors my entire life. I'm 35 now. Latest I've been using has been Harry's. I got really tired of all the razor burn and ingrown hairs around my Adam's apple. I've been reading about how DE razors are great for less irritation on sensitive skin. I happened to be walking around Target the other day and saw the Van Der Hagen razor for sale. 17 dollars for a razor and 5 blades. Figured what the heck, for the price what does it hurt to try.

Got it home. I didn't buy a brush or shaving soap or anything so I took a quick shower and after grabbed my trusty Barbasol. I definitely struggled with that first shave. Was not very satisfied with how close of a shave I could get and I knicked myself 3 or 4 times. But I noticed how there was significantly less irritation and no red bumps on my neck so I quickly realized there was something to this, I just need to perfect my technique. I've shaved a couple more times since then and the quality of my shave has definitely improved. So it will get there with time.

Decided I like the direction this was going so I jumped in with both feet. Ordered a Merkur 34C, a couple of sample packs of blades, a badger brush, stand, and some Taylor of Old Bond Street sandalwood shave cream. Very anxiously awaiting everything to come so I can try it out!

My sample pack includes Astra superior platinum, personna blue, feather, Gillette silver blue, personna platinum, voskhod, derby extra, Gillette 7 o'clock, polsilver super iridium, and astra superior stainless. Just wondering which would be the best blade to start with as a newbie?

 

[dangerousdon]

[MENTION=111724]hahler2[/MENTION] Welcome to Badger & Blade! We are happy that you found our little corner of the internet. From the looks of it, you are off to a great start and have some awesome gear. Of the blades you have mentioned, my favorites are Voskhod and Polsilver Super Iridium. Although there isn't a bad blade in the bunch. It just depends on what works for you. Thanks for signing up and once again...welcome to B&B!

 

[Parjay]

Welcome to the club! Once you get your stuff, try not to change too many things at one time. You will inevitable have a less awesome shave, and you won't know why. It is hard to do at first, but try to only change one thing at a time, and stick with that combo for at least a couple of shaves before changing the next thing.

When you get situated, you should stop by the Hall of Fame, there is a link in my signature. Also, make yourself comfortable and don't be afraid to ask any questions that you may have.

 

[1959tony]

Welcome to B&B have fun wet shaving!

 

[Graybeard57]

Welcome to B&B!

 

[BSAGuy]

Hello and welcome Great to have you out of the lurking shadows! Wander on over to the Hall of Fame and introduce yourself.

 

[xxvaleria]

Welcome to the club. Glad to have you aboard.

 

[hahler2]

Thanks everyone. Good advice on not changing too much stuff at once. I was kind of thinking that myself. I'll probably switch to using my Merkur razor and the shave cream but continue to use the Van Der Hagen blades for a few shaves just to get a good comparison. Then start going through the sample packs.

 

[NickCutlip]

Welcome to the forum !!

 

[adamchur]

Hi, welcome to B&B

 

[Hanover]

Welcome to B&B. . I used a VDH with a Personna Blue... Very mild shave..You might also enjoy the Astra SP.
Good luck to you

 

[mrodgers]

Just wondering which would be the best blade to start with as a newbie?

Close your eyes and pick one. That's what I'm doing with a sample collection that I ordered, LOL.

I have been leaving the Feather, Wilkinson Sword, and Astra SP out of the mix since they always pop up as favorites and figured I'd try them last. After I think trying 5 blades with 2 that I really liked, 2 that I didn't like at all, and 1 that was so-so, I couldn't wait any more and tried the Astra SP last night. Doesn't seem to be any reason to try others after the Astra SP. It was fantastic.

 

[ackvil]

Welcome to B&B. While you are waiting for your gear to arrive it would be a good time to review the wealth of material on B&B. A good starting point is here. Also, take a look at the wiki and stickies.

 

[MpMinNY]

Great gear to start up. I'm with others that say, "Pick a blade" and start. There are so many opinions on blades, and it varies with the razor it's paired with, I say, "Live the experience" and see if you can find a favorite!
Welcome to B&B.

 

[captp]

Welcome to B&B

 

[alex2363]

Thanks everyone. Good advice on not changing too much stuff at once. I was kind of thinking that myself. I'll probably switch to using my Merkur razor and the shave cream but continue to use the Van Der Hagen blades for a few shaves just to get a good comparison. Then start going through the sample packs.

extremely important. ..give it time and don't rush, that way you can find the errors and improve on them.

 

[Floyd Eye]

Welcome to B&B. TOBS Sandalwood is awesome.

 

[sandstone]

Welcome to the forum, hahler2!

 

[viking4976]

Welcome to B&B. No worries, you'll be hooked and DE shaving like a pro in no time. Takes a few shaves, but you'll get it. The Merkur HD 34c is a very good choice, that's the razor I chose when I started wetshaving a couple of months ago, it's an awesome razor. (A lot of guys who have been wetshaving for years also use the Merkur HD 34c regularly-it's that good). And you were very wise to go with a blade sampler instead of buying a huge box of blades, believe me. You have a nice blade selection. Also, the Feathers aren't the face slicing phantom blades that some think they are. You'll see. Best of success to you friend.

 

[Billski]

Welcome to Badger and Blade, Hahler.