Long time reader, first time poster HELP!

[pcrispy]

I have followed the forums at B&B for a couple years now. I was lured in by the fragrance discussions but I am now looking for information on the shaving side. Growing up, I had an uncle that was a barber. I have great memories of him doing the lathering, brushing, shaving (safety razor at home, straight razor at work) and all the good smells that went along with it. Here is my situation. I have curly hair but not really any big problems with ingrown hairs. Probably 10 years ago (no clue for sure, but it's been a while) I tried using the Bump Fighter razor (I am white, but with curly hair I thought that it might help with irritation). Like I said, not really experiencing any ingrown hairs, but my neck is pretty consistently irritated (red, not as smooth as my face) so I am exploring a new direction. With the Bump Fighters I have to apply quite a bit of pressure to get anything resembling a close shave. After all, that's how the blade is built, to not get close. I love a perfectly close shave but I want to avoid irritation. Based on reading, a DE shave may give me the best of both worlds since I can get close and maybe avoid irritation since I won't have to grind the razor so hard (or at all) to get that close shave. That being said, could everyone point me in the direction of either a starter kit or the necessary pieces that would allow me to enter this new world at minimal (or in the vicinity) costs to see if this is going to work for me? With a billion razor and brush options at prices all over the spectrum it is crazy overwhelming. I don't want to focus too much on what brand is best, etc, etc at this point. Just start the process and if all goes well, I can always upgrade and blow the money once I get a feel for this. Thanks for any help and suggestions.

FYI, I have sampled some non-Barbasol can soaps from Trumpers that were really good quality and I also sampled their skin food quite a while and I was happy with it. That's about the extent of my knowledge on this subject!

[Sledgehammer39]

Welcome Aboard!! I would suggest that you watch Mantic59 on youtube. Mantic has great instructional videos on proper technique all the way to equipment. My suggestion would be obtain a Gillette Tech razor or SS, they can be had pretty cheaply still. I would hop over to the local CVS and pickup there VDH rebrand kit of soap,bowl, brush also get to Walmart and pick up some Wilks DE blades. Once you get your hardware keep reviewing Mantic59 on youtube. Practice lathering and makesure that your face gets a good prep. Shaving with a DE can be tricky but it takes sometime to develop good techniqe. If you like DE shaving after investing some practice time you can proceed to better blades and soaps and brushes. The starter kit above is a cheap introduction so it doesn't break your bank helping you guage if classic shaving is what you want to do. Hope this helps

[BigFoot]

Welcome to B&B Mr. Crispy. :thumbup: The hammer gave you some great info! Here is a link to one of our WIKIS that will give you some more info. After reading that come on back and ask all the questions you may have.

http://wiki.badgerandblade.com/index.php/Getting_started_wetshaving

[pcrispy]

Wow guys, thanks for the quick replies. Mantic59's Youtube channel has a LOT of great videos. I just watched one that showed the CVS bowl, brush and soap kit. I will definitely check my local stores because at that price, I can't go wrong to start with. I'll also check into your razor suggestion as well as watching more videos and just give it a go and see what happens! Thanks!

[craig87c]

As another guy with curly hair, I still get ingrowns from time to time. What's really helped me eliminate them has been face-Lathering and a single edge razor. Now the only times I'll get ingrown are if I screw up; it isn't every single time I shave. Welcome aboard!

[mblakele]

Welcome to B&B!

[demaro]

Welcome to the group !! :thumbup1:

[rm71]

Welcome.

[BladeDE40]

Welcome...you've been given some great suggestions...let us know how it goes.

[NickCutlip]

Welcome to B&B !!

[luvmysuper]

My suggestion would be obtain a Gillette Tech razor or SS, they can be had pretty cheaply still.
I would hop over to the local CVS and pickup there VDH rebrand kit of soap,bowl, brush.
Get to Walmart and pick up some Wilks DE blades.


Some really good advice for starting on the cheap without sacrificing on the quality.

Welcome to B&B

[pauls51]

Welcome to B&B Mate!

[Luc]

Welcome to B&B Mr. Crispy. :thumbup: The hammer gave you some great info! Here is a link to one of our WIKIS that will give you some more info. After reading that come on back and ask all the questions you may have.

http://wiki.badgerandblade.com/index.php/Getting_started_wetshaving

+1

Welcome to B&B!

[ackvil]

Welcome to B&B.

For a good starting off point look at the information at this post (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=71700). The information there will direct you to where you can get answers to all of your shaving needs. Plus, it’s always a good idea to read the wikis and stickies. And, don’t forget; if you have any questions just ask. :smile:

[ridgerunner]

Welcome to the B&B. Good advice has already been provided above on getting started with the set up. As you stated the Mantic videos are a great resource and you will find a lot of good resources here on the B&B. A great group of folks.

[Optometrist]

Welcome to B&B!:thumbup1:

David

[beginish]

Welcome!

[pcrispy]

I watched quite a few videos and read more posts. Lots of encouraging stuff out here! Tonight I was passing CVS so I stopped in and picked up the starter kit bowl, soap & brush for $6.99. With very little effort on my first attempt I was able to get some nice lather. Practice will make perfect I'm sure, but it was an encouraging start. Now, for the razor. I am thinking about ordering a Edwin Jagger DE89L and multipack of Feather, Merkur, Lord, Kai & Wilkinson blades. Added to that maybe a tub of Proraso pre/post cream. With shipping it will be about $70 total. Any suggestions on these thoughts? Thanks!

[Luc]

I watched quite a few videos and read more posts. Lots of encouraging stuff out here! Tonight I was passing CVS so I stopped in and picked up the starter kit bowl, soap & brush for $6.99. With very little effort on my first attempt I was able to get some nice lather. Practice will make perfect I'm sure, but it was an encouraging start. Now, for the razor. I am thinking about ordering a Edwin Jagger DE89L and multipack of Feather, Merkur, Lord, Kai & Wilkinson blades. Added to that maybe a tub of Proraso pre/post cream. With shipping it will be about $70 total. Any suggestions on these thoughts? Thanks!

That sounds all right.

For the blades, if you can get Derby, Personna, Astra and Feathers, I think it would be a better small razor blade sample pack.

[ProphetNoir]

Welcome aboard!

[netsurfr]

Welcome to B&B!

[dougitect]

If you don't mind a used razor and have some patience you could get a Gillette Super Speed off ebay for maybe ten to fifteen bucks. That's how I got mine. But there's nothing wrong with your idea either, of course!

[mandoman]

Welcome to B&B :thumbup1:

[mretzloff]

Welcome to Badger & Blade!