Sampler Blade Pack

[JReb9229]

Hey, savvy shavers. I've been lurking for about a month now, ever since I heard about DE shaving. I found my grandfather's 1959 Fatboy and 1962, 1965 Slims and a WW2 boar brush (? not really sure about brush type...) and ordered Proraso green tube shaving cream about a month ago. I really enjoy using DE razors and have tried them with the Proraso, Gillette Foamy - really dry, and Barbasol w/ Aloe. I also found a 1948 superspeed w/case and bought a 1959 Gillette Flare tip for $5. I am looking for help on lathering and razor blades.

So far I've only used Dollar General blades, which worked pretty well. I think I got one shave pretty close to BBS when I went ATG with Gillette Foamy when I was traveling haha. Lurking has taught me most of you loathe foamy. I ordered a blade sampler pack and would like to know your knowledgeable opinions on which blades to use for, maybe from least aggressive to most aggressive listing? So moving from the Dollar General blades, and remaining with the Slim turned to the 3-setting. MERKUR, DORCO ST300, DERBY EXTRA (vertical box lettering), TREET CLASSIC, SHARP, and SHARK. Thanks for the help.

Also, my question with lathering is what should I do after I let the brush soak? I have read several different theories on how you do them, but I would like to know a general consensus for [U]beginners[U]. I have been soaking and then twist-drying half the brush before lathering the cream. I am wondering if I should just shake the brush a few times rather than twist-drying half of it?

Thanks and this forum is pretty cool. I really enjoy the reviews. And I am fighting off RAD for now, but there is a $5 gold Schick Krona at a nearby antique store... And I'm aching for a Gillette Ranger Tech.

[JReb9229]

Also I don't know how to post pictures on this forum. I would be very grateful for an explanation. Thanks.

[talibeard]

As for the brush; I just shake off the excess water but I don't really soak the brush before lathering up; I prefer a few dips.

Blades are very much YMMV and I never used the Treets but from your pack I prefer the Merkurs (makes me part of a minority here on B&B) and the Sharks while I dislike the Derby's and to a lesser degree the Sharps. The Dorco's are in the middle for me here. I think the sharpest blade in your list are the Sharks but none of them is too sharp to try out for starters. Mind that depending on your beard, skin and initial 'feel' for this kind of shaving a less sharp blade doesn't mean less risk; too dull often causes more trouble than very sharp.

[Shavely Manden]

Also I don't know how to post pictures on this forum. I would be very grateful for an explanation. Thanks.

The most straightforward way is to use the [ IMG ] tag, which is what you get when you press the little picture-of-a-mountain button at the top of the editor. However, that requires you to have a separate hosting site (like Picasa Web Albums or Imageshack). Another option is to attach the image--hit the little paperclip at the top, and upload the file in the resulting popup. Once you've got the file uploaded, you can insert it into the post by hitting the down arrow next to the paperclip and selecting the image file you want.

[JeffM]

There are instructions on adding photos in the "wiki" section-see menu bar under Badger and Blade emblem on top of this page, and go to FAQ then section 11.4 I added my first one the other day with not too much trouble.

[Luc]

Welcome to B&B!

I wouldn't twist the hair to get the water out, you risk pulling some hair out of the knot. I would simply squeeze the brush. I half close my fist to do so to keep some water in. You might need more water, you might need less, depending on your soap.

For the second question yes, click on the 'Quick Reply' and then 'Go Advanced' and use the paperclip.

[ackvil]

Welcome to B&B. There is a wealth of information in the wikis.

[kwsher]

Welcome and good advice thus far. I probably would start with the Derby as it is a pretty "beige" blade, middle of the road to get a feel.

Good luck!

[NickCutlip]

Welcome to B&B !!

[liam0062]

Welcome to B&B.