New Guy Checking In

[BIG JOHN]

Hello everyone,


My name is John and I live in New York. I've been reading all your posts here for the last 4 weeks and a week ago I saw the light and made the change to wet shaving with a DE. I read so many posts about how wet shaving is an enjoyable experience and how shaving is no longer a chore. Let me say that I now look forward to shaving! Being in my 40's, I've been shaving for a long time and right now I couldn't be happier making the switch to wet shaving. I purchased a Merkur HD, Merkur blades, a Vulfix Fine Badger brush with a 22mm knot, Colonel Conks amber shaving soap and almond soap and Pinaud - Clubman original aftershave lotion. The first few shaves with the DE were a little irritating, but a week later, I am getting a very close shave with no irritation or cuts. At some point, I would love to try a straight razor. I'm thinking I might buy a Feather Artists Club RG with replaceable blades to try out straight razor shaving. I think this might be the best straight razor to start with so I can learn shaving techniques and not worry in the beginning about stropping and honing. Any comments would be appreciated.

[Xavier]

Welcome John!!! Great start with DE setup. As for straight razors, well I admire you guys, I don't have that courage. Good luck!!!

[Jim]

Welcome John! Sounds like you are doing fine!:badger:

[rodneyk915]

Hi John, welcome to B&B!! Look forward to hearing how it goes. I've been DE shaving for 5 weeks now and am loving it. Never in my life did I ever think I would say I love shaving :biggrin: I have now ventured into the straight realm having bought a Wade & Butcher which will arrive Tuesday and a Boker from a generous board member who is preparing it for me. So we'll see how it goes :rolleyes: Anyway, settle in and ask anything you need to ask. It won't take long for one of the many very knowledgeable shavers to answer.

[Leisureguy]

Welcome, John. It sounds like you're progressing well. I do highly recommend that you buy both the large blade sampler packs and work your way through the various brands. I think you'll be surprised at the differences between different brands.

In the US: here (http://www.westcoastshaving.com) and here (http://www.razorandbrush.com/Sampler.html).
(In the UK: here (http://www.suffolkspares.co.uk/samplepack.html).)

[Kyle]

Welcome, John. You've picked a good kit to start with. Probably the best advice I can give you is to take your time and enjoy this new way of shaving. There is no need to rush out and buy up a bunch of new soaps, creams, blades, etc. Take your time and get to know your equipment while you perfect your technique. Then, when its time to make a purchase, take it slow so that you can fully enjoy the newness of each product and get to know its strengths and weaknesses.

[KWE]

Welcome to the forums!

[galpman]

Hi John, Welcome to B&B. Great to have you aboard.:biggrin:

[Daedalus]

Hi John,

Welcome to B&B. As another recent convert to traditional shaving, I never realized what a pleasure it is. My first few shaves were not the best, but there is a learning curve to it. If you want to try a straight, there are many people here who really know what they're doing and are willing to help out.

Daedalus

[CapeCodJay]

Greetings and Welcome!

[Boogie]

Welcome aboard, glad to have ya.

[boboakalfb]

Welcome to B&B, John!

[BIG JOHN]

Thanks everyone for the warm welcome! I hope to learn from everyone here and be able to participate in the forum.