New noob

[AndrewH]

Just thought I'd pop in and say howdy. I'm looking forward to getting started with DE shaving, having use cartridge razors most of my life (a few years with Norelco and Braun electrics).

After much reading I've decided on one of the '48-'50 Gillette Super Speeds and I'm keeping an eye on a few on eBay. If I don't end up winning any of the auctions I'll probably go for an Edwin Jagger DE89 instead (sooo, shiny and seems highly recommended here).

I'll probably get an Omega Pro 48 brush, and Proraso shaving soap (white tub). If anyone has better recommendations for a guy on a budget, I'm certainly open to other suggestions.

The only necessities I haven't decided on are a razor/brush stand, I'm hoping to find one in a brushed nickel finish to match my other bathroom accessories, LOL.

Question:
How necessary is pre-shave cream? What exactly does it do for you that shaving soap doesn't do? I notice some shaving soap manufacturers sell pre-shave creams (e.g. Proraso), while others don't.

[ackvil]

Welcome.

Pre shave cream is not a necessity. Take a look at the wiki (http://wiki.badgerandblade.com/Pre-shave_prep) for an explanation. The purpose of pre shave oils and creams is explained here (http://wiki.badgerandblade.com/How_Pre-shave_Oil_Works).

[Greyfox]

Welcome to B&B.

[ShaveThis]

Hi there and welcome. Check out B/S/T on this board for a used vintage DE. You can get them pretty cheap. I bought a new EJ when I first started and while it's a first class razor (and shines), I found I like the older ones better. I know about budgets and Proraso or Bigelow for 9 or 10 bucks a tub makes a lot of lather.

[AndrewH]

Thank you.

Thank you for the links to the wiki, those were perfect explanations!

[demaro]

Welcome to the group Andrew !!

[DaveNJ74]

Welcome!

[Sledgehammer39]

Welcome Aboard!

[Evil Malkil]

Welcome!

[NickCutlip]

Welcome to B&B !!

[Dennard]

Welcome, Andrew!

[Nicks&Cuts]

Welcome to B&B mate!

[aceinyerface]

Col Conk razor/brush stand http://www.amazon.com/Colonel-Conk-Evernice-775-Chrome/dp/B001XURHNY

You do your budget a favor just getting off the cartridges. You save $150-$200 a year just doing that.

So burn the same amount in gear to get going and break even the first year. The next year (and every year after) you will put that money in your pocket.

[Artistik]

Welcome 2 B&B! I started with the EJ89l also. It is an outstanding tool. However,I own a couple of Super Speeds and enjoy them very much. My EJ is out on loan now to a friend who wants to try DE shaving. He will probably try one of my Super Speeds next.

[coyotewhisper]

Welcome to B&B.

[Useless shaver]

Welcome.

Pre shave cream is not a necessity. Take a look at the wiki (http://wiki.badgerandblade.com/Pre-shave_prep) for an explanation. The purpose of pre shave oils and creams is explained here (http://wiki.badgerandblade.com/How_Pre-shave_Oil_Works).

+1

After some weeks using Trumper's LImes Skin Food I found it made my face dry. Now, the nicer my lather is, the better and need no pre at all.

BTW, EJ DE89 is an awesome tool, perfect for newbies IMHO

Anyway, welcome aboard!

[Optometrist]

Welcome to B&B!:thumbup1:

[hotreds]

Welcome and I'm sure you'll enjoy shaving and all that accompanies it!

[La_Sameuse]

Welcome to B&B!

[AndrewH]

Thanks everyone for the warm welcome!

I just purchased a 48-50 Gillette Super Speed, it should be here in a few days. Now I just need to get the rest of the paraphernalia... :)

[Urlte]

Welcome to the Club :)

[kf4tqj]

Welcome,

[shaverjoe]

Welcome to B&B.
Great choice of razors. If you are on a budget, don't waste your money on a razor/brush stand- just my opinion. In fact, regardless of budget, don't spend money on a razor and brush stand- just my opinion. I would recommend picking up a blade sampler pack from west coast shaving. www.westcoastshaving.com (http://www.westcoastshaving.com)
Good luck.

[Face&Head]

Welcome Andrew! I have a ton of fancy creams & soaps but a tube of Proraso/Bigelow has an honored place in my shower rack for when I'm in a hurry (at least once a week). It whips up an effortless lather on your face or in your palm or bowl. It feels great, works great and you really can't go wrong. Expect some break in time with that 48. I gave my 22 year old son a R89 (same head as the DE89) and he loves it. He used to shave once a week or so, now he's shaving every day. I agree with others that pre-shaves are unnecessary. Don't forget some blades, you may want to get a sample pack (most of the B&B vendors carry them although Phil over at Bull Goose has every assortment know to man). I favor the Japanese Feather Blade and the US Personna Medical Prep. Both are a bit more expensive than some others but on a per shave basis you're talking 3 or 4 cents a shave. I can't say enough nice things about the B&B vendors they're all great to deal and as a newbie you can get really solid advice from them.

[AndrewH]

@shaverjoe: I thought brush stands were a necessity, that the brush should dry upside down to avoid water sitting in the knot for prolonged periods? I know a razor stand isn't necessary, but so many brush stands happen to hold the razor too...

Thanks guys for the tip about picking up a blade sampler pack!

[Don Shinchan]

@shaverjoe: I thought brush stands were a necessity, that the brush should dry upside down to avoid water sitting in the knot for prolonged periods? I know a razor stand isn't necessary, but so many brush stands happen to hold the razor too...

Thanks guys for the tip about picking up a blade sampler pack!

A noob answer here, AndrewH. From what I have read the brush stand is not a requirement since quality brush should have no problem with water if you shake most water off after cleaning. I myself use the stand since it came with my brush.

EJ DE89 is well regarded as good razor for noob, and it might be my first DE razor as well.

[AndrewH]

Thank you, Don. I just now read a thread (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/263038-Very-quick-question-Do-I-have-to-hang-my-brush) about hanging vs standing brushes. That's great, it saves me $20. :001_smile

[Don Shinchan]

Thank you, Don. I just now read a thread (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/263038-Very-quick-question-Do-I-have-to-hang-my-brush) about hanging vs standing brushes. That's great, it saves me $20. :001_smile

Or maybe you should consider the brush that comes with the stand, my friend. Edwin Jagger is one of the manufactures that include the stand with some of their models (like Best Badger I'm using.)

One more thing, the reason I use the stand is that I live with my family, and leaving the brush stand on itself means someone might accidentally knock it over... and it might fall into a toilet. ; )

[Lamb Root]

Welcome!

[StripeyType]

Welcome aboard

[DOLLARBILL]

Welcome Id 1st not use a preshave see how things work out may save yourself a little money which can be used for other things !!!
Enjoy Your Shave !