New to D/E shaving

[fishbulb95]

Hello everyone, I'm 25 and been shaving for quite a few years. Usually my trusty electric Norelco would get me through the day. But after 2-3 days of growth all I would feel is pain as the little hairs are being torn out of my skin. My backup used to be the Mach 3, but always suffered from razor burn. So I worked my way up, Schick Quattro finally to the Gillete Fusion. The fusion was great for my neck, but when it came time to shave the mustache it would get stuck (even hang from my upper lip). It would get clogged constantly, and was absolutely pointless if I had more than 4 days of growth, always having to keep the beard trimmer handy just to shorten it the hair.

So I started thinking about going simple, back to the basics. After looking at the old style straight razors, fear of accidental neck slicing was prominent in my mind.

Then I happened to stumble across this forum and learned of the safety razor. So I took the plunge and bought a Merkur 180 (23C) off amazon, a small stand, and badger brush (Tweezerman). Also some shaving soap (Proraso Shaving Soap).

I have very soft skin but tough coarse hair that grows in all sorts of directions. Since the first thing people look at is the face, I would be willing to spend more time preparing just to avoid pain that came with shaving.

It should arrive Tuesday, and I'm looking forward to it. I've been watching mantic's videos on youtube just to get an idea.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Glad to be part of the community.:thumbup:

[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:

[Edward 1689er]

Welcome!

[fishbulb95]

Wow! There's a lot of information in these boards.

It's kind of funny, I don't think I have ever been this excited to shave since I got my first electric razor from my parents when I turned 16.

[Eric V]

Welcome to the B! Read, Learn, Shave, Share!

[BrianK]

Wow! There's a lot of information in these boards.


Yeah, there is.

BTW welcome.

Back to the info... After discovering this site I spent over 6 hours following links and finding out what I should have known before beginning DE shaving 40 years ago, but no one taught me. The good thing is this site does exist and the same info that was there to shorten everyone elses learning curve is there for you as well.

While you wait you have time to read and study. It will help.

[Optometrist]

Welcome to B&B!:thumbup1:

[americanarmsdealer]

Welcome to B&B! It's good to hear of new converts to the "real" way of shaving. You'll be amazed at how great your shaves can be. Enjoy, and ask lots of questions. That's why we're here!:biggrin1:

[rm71]

Welcome to the forum:001_smile

[Greyfox]

Welcome to B&B.:001_smile

[AfterHours]

Hey there, OP. I'm 27 and just started DE and occasional straight razor shaving last month. Be careful, it gets addicting - I used to HATE shaving and now it's pretty much one of the most relaxing, meditative parts of my day (or two/three days, I can't shave every day hehe).

Welcome.

[drews50]

Welcome to B & B. Just stick with it. Practice, practice, practice will get you to those BBS shaves.

[Sledgehammer39]

Welcome Aboard..

[demaro]

Welcome to the group !! :thumbup:

[stevodevo]

Welcome! I'm still waiting on my DE to arrive while I practice the pre-shave lather, etc. My wife thinks I'm crazy that I look forward to shaving now. Have fun!

[Marine Dad]

Welcome to B&B :thumbup1: Sounds like you are off to a good start !

[BlackBard]

Welcome aboard B&B. Hope you enjoy the ride.

Looks like you are off to a good start, with a good kit. My best advice is to remember practice and patience will pay off with better and better shaves.

[mandoman]

Welcome to B&B :thumbup:

[JoshESQ]

Take your time (cartridge shave for me takes 4 minutes, DE shave takes 20-25) and read/watch a lot before you start. Also, stick with the exact same setup for a month (when you switch blades, use the exact same brand) and don't do ATG passes. These two things together will help you hone your skills the fastest.
Good luck!

[fishbulb95]

Also, stick with the exact same setup for a month (when you switch blades, use the exact same brand) and don't do ATG passes. These two things together will help you hone your skills the fastest.
Good luck!

Thanks for the advise, however, I did pick up one of those sampler packs with some 120 blades off Amazon. Should I just go ahead and stick with the Merkur blades that come with the razor (local cutlery store sells them too).

I'll avoid the feathers for a while until I get my technique down.

Any recommended blades for a newbie (soft skin, coarse hair, medium density)

[airmech]

Welcome Aboard!!! This site is such a repository of knowledge and the greatest people in the world!!!