Razor ordered, hope this works!

[zeusrock1]

Although I was getting good shaves with the Mach 3, I can't believe how expensive all the cartridges are getting. Since I've also started shaving my head a couple times a week, I've been going through a lot of cartridges.

Looking for solutions I came across this site, was surprised that so many people have gone back to shaving "old school". I have already picked up the cheap brush from Target and some C.O. Bigelow cream, also got the sample pack from GEO F Trumper. Digging it so far... :thumbup:

I didn't know if I was ready to try DE, so I first tried going to the Bumpfighter handle with personna trac II, ugh. I don't know how some people like that combo. The blade gunks up so bad. Been doing that for a couple weeks, but I've had enough.

I just ordered the Merkur 23C and a sampler pack of blades from The Superior Shave. I figure if I like shaving my face with the DE razor, the longer handle may help if I eventually give head shaving a try (after a lot of practice) :001_unsur

In a few days I've give a try (need to watch manics videos some more). Looking forward to it and not afraid of getting cut as the trac II has been doing a number on me already.

This is a great forum and has been a lot of fun reading about an activity I never really took the time to understand.

-Jeff

[Elmfuzz]

Great to hear that you like the brush and bigelow! Welcome to B&B. I hope the DE works out good for you!
If you need any questions answered, just ask. The people on here are just about as friendly a bunch you can meet online, and i'm sure they'll jump at the chance to help if you want it.
-Elliot

[ouch]

If you're in NJ, you can't be (too) far from the city, where you can pick up some of the hobby's goodies in person. I love the 23C long handle- it's one of my favorite razors. It's pretty mild, and can tame the sharpest blades.

You can save money if you choose, or you can spend a fortune. Either way you'll find that time and technique will produce the best results.

[SafetyRazorDave]

Welcome and congrats on making the switch. :thumbup1:

I haven't used the Merkur 23c, but have used the 33c, which is exactly the same just with a shorter handle. It was my first DE razor and served me well. I agree that it's a mild shaver, but I think it's a great starter razor. I think it would be a great ONLY razor too, so not just for beginners.

Best of luck, it sounds like you're off to a great start.

[Epicurean]

Welcome to B&B. I joined for similar reasons- cost and comfort. This is a wonderfully friendly site.

BEWARE!!!! This can become more than a way to get a good shave- It can become an addiction!

Vintage razors, new razors, DE SE Straights
Old Soaps, New soaps Creams
OH MY!

[cnnc97]

Welcome to the group, read all the tutorials and be patient. It can take a little while to get the hang of DE shaving. Don't try to get too close of a shave right off the bat, settle for DFS (damn fine shave) for a while.

My last bit of advice, watch out for the ADs and the enablers on this site.

[ackvil]

Welcome to B&B from a former resident of the Garden State.

[NickCutlip]

Welcome to B&B !!

[zeusrock1]

Thanks for the warm welcome. Already been looking at vintage razors on ebay and the shopping mall... things seem to be expensive on eBay and items move so fast here you need to be quick.

Plan to stick to the one razor for awhile, learn how to use it, try some different blades, and I have a good amount of cremes to keep me busy for a little while... I hope.

[SafetyRazorDave]

Thanks for the warm welcome. Already been looking at vintage razors on ebay and the shopping mall... things seem to be expensive on eBay and items move so fast here you need to be quick.

Plan to stick to the one razor for awhile, learn how to use it, try some different blades, and I have a good amount of cremes to keep me busy for a little while... I hope.

To be honest, you really only NEED one razor, so if it's working for you there's absolutely no need to be another for the rest of your life. Does that stop us from getting more than one razor? Absolutely not. :blush:

[alabamalawyer]

Welcome to B&B! Nice choice on the razor. Just remember to take your time with the DE and avoid pressing down on it as you have been doing with the cartridge razor. With some time and practice, you'll be amazed at the great shaves you get!

[Luc]

Welcome to B&B!

[Go West Young Man]

DE, so I first tried going to the Bumpfighter handle with personna trac II, ugh. I don't know how some people like that combo. The blade gunks up so bad. Been doing that for a couple weeks, but I've had enough.

Your lather is probably too dry - Bigelow has a habit of getting gunky if you don't add enough water. As a bonus, it performs much better if you get the lather wetter.

[fisherbln]

Welcome to B&B and good luck on your first DE shave!

[mcat1906]

Hey Welcome to B&B... don't be afraid to try shaving your head.. once you get used to your DE give it a try. It's easier than you think.

[pauls51]

Welcome aboard mate!

[rm71]

Welcome:001_smile

[zeusrock1]

Your lather is probably too dry - Bigelow has a habit of getting gunky if you don't add enough water. As a bonus, it performs much better if you get the lather wetter.

New razor won't be here until next week, so I'll be using the Trac II a couple of more times. I know my lather building skills definitely need some work. I'll try more water as you suggested.

[gorgehiker]

Welcome!! Congrats on seeing the light. I remember when I ordered my first razor waiting for the mail to show up....

[bowlturner]

When I switched from cartridge shaving to DE I started with the 34C. Excellent razor, short handle. I thought I might like a longer handle and ordered the 38C. I found I regressed to using the long handle to apply pressure, as I did with the cartridge razors. So, be gentle and do not apply pressure. You will get an excellent shave.

[Popeyeguy]

Welcome to the B&B!!!

[grump]

Welcome to B&B!

[zeusrock1]

The sampler pack of razors from Superior includes the following brands. What would be a good blade to start with?

Big Ben
Dorco ST-301
Derby
Shark Super Chrome
Astra Superior Platinum
7AM Platinum Hi Stainless
Sharp

[OkieStubble]

Welcome to B&B!

[Voomie]

Welcome aboard. Dont make a mess, watch the second step to the basement because it is loose and have fun!

[zeusrock1]

Well I received my razor and blades on Saturday. Tried my first DE shave on Sunday after I loaded up the merkur with a derby blade and mixed up a batch of Bigelow cream.

I was expecting some kind of shave nirvana, but it seems this may take awhile to get the hang of it... The razor was pretty intimidating when first looking at it, but seemed to go ok along the skin and worked ok at going WTG. I did 2 passes with the grain, but it still didn't seem smooth, so I also attempted some XTG and came out relatively injury free.

The shave came out ok, but nowhere near smooth as I thought it'd be. I definately need to work on the cutting angle as I was going mostly on sound and believe I was scraping my face too much.

Going to try to stick to this for awhile, keep reading, and I'm sure It'll get better.

[Voomie]

Just remember that lather is half the battle and proper technique is the other half.

[jdtj63]

Welcome to B&B

go slow and light on the pressure and watch that angle. You have a good cream in Bigelow.

Don't fear the razor but do respect that blade it is sharp.

[ginhud]

Welcome to B&B. I like my 23c and right now it's loaded with a red personna, shave #4 on the blade coming up tomorrow but #100 on the razor! Enjoy the shave3s!