Newbie looking for starter kit

[halakhb]

I'm looking for a starter kit, well parts of a starter kit. I am just starting out any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

I have ordered some soaps and creams from Mama Bear, a Volfix Silver tip Brush with a stand and stoneware mug from Classic Shaving, Lab series Pre-shave oil, I think baby oil would have the same effect would it?? Correct me if I'm wrong. So far that's what I have gathered.

I am looking into a safety razor to shave this ruff and tough beard and I plan to buy the DE Blade Sampler pack, to see what I like best.
I do need a good post shave lotion, my face is picky and I have a thick beard, it can take one thing one day and not the other.

I am open to suggestion
Thanks

[mpisarcik]

Merkur 38c or HD would be a great start for a safety razor. Also try out shave creams - i like them better than soaps. :biggrin:

[SilkySmooth]

Welcome aboard!

[Suzuki]

Welcome aboard!

Sounds like you've got the makings of a good starter set.

A couple of comments:

I've never had much use for preshave oil - some guys love it, I've never found much difference - play with it to see if it works for you.

As for razors, if you want new, I would suggest the 38c, HD or long-handled classic. Very consistent, good shaving razors.

You definitely need some post-shave products - there are two basic types: (i) alcohol-based and (ii) alcohol-free/low alcohol.

There are pros and cons to both, but most people use a combination of the two - usually an alcohol-based aftershave (there's a lot of decent stuff you can get at the drugstore - for example Aqua Velva products -, as well as a ton of high end stuff so there's lots to choose from) followed by a balm or light moisturizer (again, there's tons to choose from, but the Nivea and Neutrogena lines are good places to start if you're looking for something inexpensive and easy to find). I would read the reviews in the Reviews forum to see what people have to say about various products.

The other thing you should probably get is a styptic pencil or alum block to deal with the inevitable nicks you're going to get when you start out with a DE.

If you want specific advice on any products, post a thread in the relevant forum and you'll get lots of advice/suggestions.

Good luck!

[mrcleanhead]

Check out Lee's Razors for the Merkur HD. http://www.badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=15289
See if he's still offering this to B&B members. Good deal and great guy.

John

[RichGem]

The merkur classic and the 1904 (closed comb) are also sure bets.

[SilkySmooth]

You were inquiring about something to keep your lather warm.


==Tom




http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=25521

[Doc4]

Welcome aboard!

The other thing you should probably get is a styptic pencil or alum block to deal with the inevitable nicks you're going to get when you start out with a DE.

Good luck!

Ah, my man Suzuki is a realist! And a good suggestion to boot.

As for aftershave, I'd try a bottle of Aqua Velva to see if you like aftershave, and then try others (Pinaud &c) if you want. You probably should also pick up some witch hazel as a post-shave product to use before the aftershave or balm.

And yes, welcome!

[Racso_MS]

If you have sensitive skin and you don't want an alcohol based after shave, try Nivea After Shave Balm for Sensitive Skin (Wal-Mart), Nivea for Regular Skin if you like a little alcohol with a menthol feel, or Proraso After Shave Balm. All are good for moisturizing the skin after a shave. You may also enjoy Dr. Thayer's Witch Hazel. It comes in a variety of scents (Lavendar, Lemon etc.) and it comes unscented but has moisturizer included in the mix. Great stuff.

I will use (pick a scent) Dr Thayers then follow it with Nivea or Proraso A/S Balm.

Give it a try...

Enjoy your shave... :biggrin:

[TimmyBoston]

All excellent suggestions, welcome to B&B!

[AACJ]

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[rusirius]

You know, Technically speaking that rule probably should be reworded since after all it does only mention "selling" and "trading" not "buying"... :biggrin:

[TENroaches]

Check out Lee's Razors for the Merkur HD. http://www.badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=15289
See if he's still offering this to B&B members. Good deal and great guy.

John

There's a new price for his deal. (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=25920)

[halakhb]

Gents,
Ok I bought 3 safety’s, don’t remember exactly the third but here’s the other two it was a 1950's Blue Tip Gillette Super Speed, 1953 Gillette Super Speed razor, and the DE Blade Sampler pack, I already have some Neiva after shave lotion, I bought a bottle of witch hazel. Some travel size-mixing bottles so I can make concoctions, and move lotions and creams into smaller bottles. Pre-shave oil, I think baby oil would have the same effect would it? Correct me if I am wrong.
I am still open to suggestions
Thanks,
Hass

[Racso_MS]

Gents,
Ok I bought 3 safety’s, don’t remember exactly the third but here’s the other two it was a 1950's Blue Tip Gillette Super Speed, 1953 Gillette Super Speed razor, and the DE Blade Sampler pack, I already have some Neiva after shave lotion, I bought a bottle of witch hazel. Some travel size-mixing bottles so I can make concoctions, and move lotions and creams into smaller bottles. Pre-shave oil, I think baby oil would have the same effect would it? Correct me if I am wrong.
I am still open to suggestions
Thanks,
Hass

Some swear by them but most wet shavers I know don't use a pre-shave oil. If you're using a brush valued at over $100 the last thing you want is to "gunk" it up with an oily substance. Prepping your beard in a warm shower, washing with a mild soap and warm to hot water, or using a hot towell for a few minutes prior to shaving is normally sufficient. If you have a tough beard you may want to use Proraso Pre/Post Shave or even Noxema as a pre shave. I've used both and prefer Proraso but Noxema is a cheap substitute but (IMHO) doesn't work as well. YMMV with the pre shave oil, I just don't want to take a chance and ruin my brushes.

Enjoy your shave... :biggrin:

[halakhb]

bump

[SilkySmooth]

Some swear by them but most wet shavers I know don't use a pre-shave oil. If you're using a brush valued at over $100 the last thing you want is to "gunk" it up with an oily substance. Prepping your beard in a warm shower, washing with a mild soap and warm to hot water, or using a hot towell for a few minutes prior to shaving is normally sufficient. If you have a tough beard you may want to use Proraso Pre/Post Shave or even Noxema as a pre shave. I've used both and prefer Proraso but Noxema is a cheap substitute but (IMHO) doesn't work as well. YMMV with the pre shave oil, I just don't want to take a chance and ruin my brushes.

Enjoy your shave... :biggrin:

+1

==Tom

[halakhb]

Bump