Done with Modern Shaves

[USMC]

So, I've been lurking here for about a week just soaking up the vast amounts of knowledge that I've seen here. I was led over from a post on Lifehacker. For years, I've been trying different shaving methods and equipment. I've tried Gillette Sensors, Mach 3, fusion, and always gotten a half decent shave at the expense of my skin. I've also tried electrics, which give the worse shave I've ever known, with a nice helping of ingrown hairs.

So, I'm forever looking for something else to try hoping that it will do the trick. I really like the tips and advice I've seen. So hopefully here in the next few days I'll order my first kit.

I also wanted to find out if anybody has any resources for somebody that lives in the Washington DC area. If there are any antique stores, or good recommended places to pick up supplies.

Thanks for all the info I've seen so far, and glad to have found this site. I plan on sticking around for a bit.

[BrightFutur]

I've found that most antique stores (around me, at least) have at least a few vintage safety razors kicking around. Antique malls are not nearly as good as the people working the floor never know what the individual vendors have in their cases, and the prices tend to be more static.

More importantly, welcome to B&B!

[Koss]

Welcome to the forums! And welcome to the world of WetShaving.

If you are comfortable with the idea of buying thing online... we have a very honest and trustworthy Buy/sell/trade section to the forums here. I've bought plenty of things in the last few weeks I've been here, and have never had a single problem.

Check out some of the starter kits out there that some members have put together! For example, I just bought one for a friend of mine. His birthday is next month and I got a shaving brush, soap, two vintage gillette razors, and some great blades all for around 30 dollars. Shipped from Europe! Wow.

If not, hey... plenty of yard/estate sales, antique shops, etc to search around for Razors.
Blades can be picked up from a local Chemist/Drug/Pharmacy store. Like Walgreens. Even Walmart has soap, brush, bowl starter set from the company Van Der Hagen. Which is a company from Texas. Great stuff I really enjoy their soap! Avaliable at local pharmacy/grocery stores.

I've heard of some members even finding some supplies at Ethnic Grocery stores.

[withoutink]

First - Welcome to Badger & Blade =)
Second - USMC - Thanks for your service

Lastly, soak up as much info as you can here. Its limitless - really. Many people sell some items in the Shaving Mall - Buy/Sell/Trade section. Many many great prices. I suggest poking around in there as well. You can also check out the bay, but I feel more secure buying stuff here, just because of the input others interject into the threads.

My first DE was a Merkur Vision (big and I mean big & $$$). If I could do it all over again, Id buy a used 1940's -1960's Gillette Super Speed. Ive been using the 60's for a few days now and its much easier to work with. I have an order in on a 1940's which should be here next week. Id also recommend a blade sample pack from Westcoastshaving.com (so you can try various blades out).

Whatever you choose take your time and enjoy. I look forward to those 10-15min each morning.

[USMC]

Wow, quick responses! Great community. Love it here already.

Yeah, the Marines taught me how to shave. When the DI tells you to shave regardless if you need it or not, then you shave. Dad never taught me anything about it, nor have I ever seen him use a DE. He's a Gillette Sensor kinda guy.

As far as equipment, this is my very preliminary list based on research here.
I have not started to shop around and look for pricing, but obviously the lower the better.

DE - Merker HD
Blade: Derby Extras
Brush: C&E Best, or Omega 6210
Cream: Taylor's Avacado
Pre: Proraso

I'm not really going to ask for suggestions though because I'm sure I will get many varying opinions. But cost really is going to be my main consideration. Well that, and making sure that I don't butcher my face to badly for the first few weeks.

[SiBurning]

Welcome.

You might consider a styptic pencil to stop any small cuts you might get. One should last a lifetime, or more likely until you lose it.

[AECUSN]

Welcome USMC!

[rm71]

Welcome! Try our B/S/T Forum for razors, soaps and creams etc. You will get them at very reasonable prices.

[Gatsby]

As far as equipment, this is my very preliminary list based on research here.
I have not started to shop around and look for pricing, but obviously the lower the better.

DE - Merker HD
Blade: Derby Extras
Brush: C&E Best, or Omega 6210
Cream: Taylor's Avacado
Pre: Proraso

Welcome to B&B!

Good list here, but don't jump right into using Derbys.
Although they are well-received on the forum, they're not everyone's cup of tea. I, for one, can't stand 'em. I use Astras.
Pick up a blade sampler pack, and you'll be able to find the right blade for you.

Take note: Merkur makes beautiful razors--The HD attests to this--but they make horrible blades. You've been warned. :001_smile

[Ignatius]

Wow, quick responses! Great community. Love it here already.

Yeah, the Marines taught me how to shave. When the DI tells you to shave regardless if you need it or not, then you shave. Dad never taught me anything about it, nor have I ever seen him use a DE. He's a Gillette Sensor kinda guy.

As far as equipment, this is my very preliminary list based on research here.
I have not started to shop around and look for pricing, but obviously the lower the better.

DE - Merker HD
Blade: Derby Extras
Brush: C&E Best, or Omega 6210
Cream: Taylor's Avacado
Pre: Proraso

I'm not really going to ask for suggestions though because I'm sure I will get many varying opinions. But cost really is going to be my main consideration. Well that, and making sure that I don't butcher my face to badly for the first few weeks.

Good list.

You don't need the preshave stuff though.

[Luc]

Welcome to B&B!

As already mentionned, I strongly recommend the BST section of this forum.

[withoutink]

For pre shave, I use my wifes hair conditioner. I put it on right as soon as i get out of the shower and leave it on under the lather. It seems to work great for me. Very slick and inexpensive =)

[Mr. Igg]

Welcome to B&B, and thanks for all you do in your day job!

Your kit's fine (very good, actually), thought I'd echo the previous suggestions that you can probably skip the pre-shave (Proraso's good if you want to try one) and you really should go with the blade sample pack from West Coast Shaving. I happen to prefer Derbys, but as Gatsby points out, that's an individual preference; blades are that way, and the sample pack is a great way to find what you like without a huge upfront cost.

[Fairchild86]

It looks like everything has been said that needs to be said. Welcome to B&B.

[Trippy]

Ah, a fellow DMV'er. I split my time between College Park, and Montgomery County. I haven't done much in the way of shopping, but heres the info I've got.

Online, we have two vendors nearby.

In CP, http://www.shavingsupplies.com/ Now, Ive talked to them a few times, and you can send them an order and ask to pick up locally, as long as you have exact change.

In Frederick, MD http://www.sesto-senso.com/ No experience with em

A little further out, theres www.vintagebladesllc.com Which I highly recommend.

As for Brick and Mortar, its rather slim pickin's

At Montgomery Mall, theres a Crabtree and Evelyn, Bath and Body Works, and L'Occitane. Im sure most malls will have similar selection. The real jackpot, however, is at Tyson's mall in Virginia. You've gotta head over to the snooty Tysons II, or the Galleria, and there they have actual wetshaving supplies. The name of the stores escape me, but they have current razors and products in stock.

Feel free to send me a PM if you need any more help from a local

[USMC]

Ah, a fellow DMV'er. I split my time between College Park, and Montgomery County. I haven't done much in the way of shopping, but heres the info I've got.

Online, we have two vendors nearby.

In CP, http://www.shavingsupplies.com/ Now, Ive talked to them a few times, and you can send them an order and ask to pick up locally, as long as you have exact change.

In Frederick, MD http://www.sesto-senso.com/ No experience with em

A little further out, theres www.vintagebladesllc.com Which I highly recommend.

As for Brick and Mortar, its rather slim pickin's

At Montgomery Mall, theres a Crabtree and Evelyn, Bath and Body Works, and L'Occitane. Im sure most malls will have similar selection. The real jackpot, however, is at Tyson's mall in Virginia. You've gotta head over to the snooty Tysons II, or the Galleria, and there they have actual wetshaving supplies. The name of the stores escape me, but they have current razors and products in stock.

Feel free to send me a PM if you need any more help from a local

That is a great help! Thank you much! I actually live within walking distance of Tysons and the Galleria. That's exactly the help I was looking for. I do believe that with that place literally across the street, my wife might get mad at my SCAD and other new diseases. So I will definitely have to check that out. I'm sure prices will be astronomical, but at least I'd get to look at the stuff before I ordered online.

[BroJohn]

USMC --

Welcome to B&B!

The internets are your friend, and e-shopping is the way to go. There isn't much available in DC, so on-line shopping rules the day. There is the Grooming Lounge in the 1700 block of L St, NW; a block from the Farragut North station on the Red Line. Mostly their own brand of stuff, but I think they handle a couple of the English creams as well.

Make sure that you view Mantic's shaving videos (http://www.youtube.com/profile_videos?user=mantic59&p=r) that he has posted on YouTube on the net. Also, at the top of this forum, there is a 'tutorial' post that has all the links to how-to's and tutorials.

There's a lot of Military folks here, and many from the DC, Maryland, and NOVA area.

Post your experiences and results and ask questions. Everyone will help you get underway.

-- John Gehman

[mdunn]

welcome aboard, mate!

[Trippy]

That is a great help! Thank you much! I actually live within walking distance of Tysons and the Galleria. That's exactly the help I was looking for. I do believe that with that place literally across the street, my wife might get mad at my SCAD and other new diseases. So I will definitely have to check that out. I'm sure prices will be astronomical, but at least I'd get to look at the stuff before I ordered online.


Walking distance, eh? Your wallet must hate you haha. It sounds like you've got the right idea though, I wouldn't buy anything there without checking prices online. I do wish I had the chance to play around with the stuff there before I made the plunge.

[michiganlover]

For pre shave, I use my wifes hair conditioner. I put it on right as soon as i get out of the shower and leave it on under the lather. It seems to work great for me. Very slick and inexpensive =)

Agree, you don't need the expensive Pre-Shave products.

They might smell better, but I get wonderful results from "Dove Daily Moisture Therapy" conditioner. I also leave it on under my lather.

I also have a can of Aveno Shaving Cream I bought specifically for using for pre-prep.

Aveno is considered to be one of the best, or the best of the canned creams. :tongue_sm

Simply apply it to your face while you create your lather in your bowl, rinse it off, and then apply your lather.

[Squid]

Welcome.

Thanks for your service.

I agree that there is a lot of information on B&B that will help you learn more about different shaving techniques. Enjoy your experience...

[Topgumby]

There should be a Badger & Blade Marine Corps -

From your first shave with a Badger Brush
To your trip through the ADs
We are here to help you steer your course
Welcome aboard, USMC

When You ask "Where should I set my Slim?"
"Should I use one, or eight, or three?"
You will get sixteen different answers here
Because Your Mileage May Vary

So right here you'll find the old time way
To a frugal, close clean shave,
Think of all the beer on liberty
You can buy with the dough you save (Hah!)

:rolleyes:

Enjoy the stay, and Semper Fi, Mac!

[MOVIESTAR]

Welcome mate.

[USMC]

So, here's my first question. Forgive me, because I'm sure the question has been multiple times before, but I couldn't really find a thread to give me answer I was looking for.

I see a lot of love for both soaps and creams. What is the difference between them? Is one slicker than the other? Is one suited for a particular skin type more than the other? Does one lather up better than the other? I'm not going ask which one is better....because well we all have different opinions. Thanks in advance for any answers you could give me.

[Koss]

So, here's my first question. Forgive me, because I'm sure the question has been multiple times before, but I couldn't really find a thread to give me answer I was looking for.

I see a lot of love for both soaps and creams. What is the difference between them? Is one slicker than the other? Is one suited for a particular skin type more than the other? Does one lather up better than the other? I'm not going ask which one is better....because well we all have different opinions. Thanks in advance for any answers you could give me.

The only difference really is that creams are easier to lather up if you are inexperienced than soaps are.

Otherwise, it comes down to the brand and ingredients when you start asking about quality. The worst quality soap will not outperform a decent cream. And a bad quality cream will not outperform a decent quality soap.

[Topgumby]

I find both soaps and creams give great results, with the soaps usually being a bit slicker and the creams are more willing to create a cushiony lather, although a good soap will do that, once you get the hang of it.

I've had good luck with Tabac and Palmolive soaps in the tallow based category, Col Conk and VDH Deluxe in the glycerine, and unlike most here I like Williams, but I use it like a shave stick and face lather.

The creams I've had good luck with include Tom's of Maine (sadly discontinued, but still out there), Indian Old Spice, Proraso, and The Real Shaving Company.

Even though I think soaps have the slight edge for me, I reach for a cream when I'm feeling lazy, hurried or I want a blast of menthol or mint.

To me, the key with either is to put them on and leave them for two minutes before shaving, so the ingredients have time to work on the beard.

[MOVIESTAR]

Welcome to B&B

[MOVIESTAR]

Shaving shack have some good deals.

[Chuckaluck]

welcome aboard! Ask questions, thats what we are here for! :cool:

[FFJim]

Welcome aboard USMC. The list you have looks good as a start, but believe me, you won't end there... Also, as far as the soap or cream question goes, I have better luck with creams, because my technique could use a little work. Either way, be sure you check out the tutorials and the videos on You Tube, I have found them extremely helpful.
Thank you for your service.