Just Started

[WhoRu]

Hello all!
I am new to the DE shaving scene.
My old gear was a Mach 3 and Barbasol, but now I have
Merkur Chrome Long-Handled Razor (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000NL0T1G/ref=oss_product)
Taylor of Old Bond Street Eton College Shaving Cream (http://www.amazon.com/Taylor-Old-Bond-Street-College/dp/B0007MW32Y/ref=pd_sbs_hpc_1)
Badger Brush (http://www.amazon.com/Bristle-Marblized-Parker-Safety-Razor/dp/B002ETB2RA/ref=sr_1_19?ie=UTF8&s=hpc&qid=1259991624&sr=1-19)
Shark DE Razors and a few 7 O'Clocks
And so far, my shaves have been the best they have ever been!

But, I was hoping to get some feedback on my gear from the Pro's.

So far I have yet to achieve a BBS shave, but I have managed to regularly do a DFS on my cheeks (much to the pleasure of my wife, she now constantly touches my face after I shave [not that I'm complaining]), and leave only minimal stubble on my neck.

Again, hello all! And any tips, advice, or free gear :wink2: are welcomed!!

[Pumpkin]

Welcome to B&B!

Looks like you've got a pretty good set-up! :001_smile

Don't worry about getting a BBS just now...it will come when you've had some more practice. You'll notice some big differences in techniques required.
You've got to manage your angle now....before it was the pivot on the Mach 3 that looked after it. It's always a bit more difficult on the neck, there's usually a few changes in the grain and it's harder to keep the angle correct.

[WhoRu]

Oh, the grain goes crazy on my neck.

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Kinda like that. So I get a few smooth patches, but right now trying to go ATG is a bit painful.
On top of all that, the hair is like super-gauge wire, while my skin is mildly sensitive and dry, so sometimes I somehow "stab" myself with my own stubble.

[Pumpkin]

ATG can be a bit much for your skin when you're just starting. I still usually miss it out...especially on my neck....and do 2 x XTG in opposite directions.

[DFrancis]

Nice looking setup, welcome to the boards.

[Luc]

Welcome to B&B!

[DanZr10]

Aloha and welcome to B&B

[mdunn]

forget about BBS for now, it will come when youre ready, just concentrate on your technique

[mrbear]

Welcome to B&B!

[Sue]

Good to see you here, Welcome!
Sue

[NickCutlip]

Welcome to B&B !!

[ajkimmins]

forget about BBS for now, it will come when youre ready, just concentrate on your technique

+1
As for the gear, you've got all the gear you need. You may want to check out the blade samples at http://westcoastshaving.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=2&products_id=295. Then you can try lots of different blades to see which ones you like best!

[Haber Dashing]

Welcome to B & B, and I second the blade samplers. BBS comes with time. Good blades get you there quicker.

[Haber Dashing]

forget about BBS for now, it will come when youre ready, just concentrate on your technique

Something about this comment reminded me of a really silly random quote "When the student is ready, the master will come"

[dpmtherrien]

Welcome to B&B. Always good to have new members, now spread the word. :thumbup1:

[JPM]

Welcome to B&B!

[WhoRu]

+1
As for the gear, you've got all the gear you need. You may want to check out the blade samples at http://westcoastshaving.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=2&products_id=295. Then you can try lots of different blades to see which ones you like best!

Yeah, my wife got me the gear for Christmas, but only got me like 50 of the Sharks. The razor came late, so I got some practice lathering while using my Mach 3. Definitely better than the Barbasol.
I plan on pickin up a sampler sometime soon. The Shark Super Stainless razors don't seem right for me. The 7 O'Clocks are nice, but I wanna see what else is out there.

[rm71]

Welcome!

[blackfoot]

Welcome to B&B!