First DE Shave -- WOW!

[skrambone]

So, as planned, this morning marked my first foray into the world of real shaving. Wow, what a pleasant surprise.

Wait, first off, thanks for all of your welcoming messages since my initial post last night!

Ok, on to the experience... After a hot shower and a thorough soaking of the face I lathered up with my badger hair brush and Taylor Avacado cream. I must say, the stuff in the can just doesn't compare. I took it easy and didn't worry about getting it perfect, just stayed with the grain a did a decent once over with the new Merkur Long HD. I'm kind of amazed at how many different directions my beard actually grows in!

Only ended up with two tiny nicks and very, very little irritation. I honestly think my face felt better than it does after using my electric shaver. Next a thorough rinse and generous splashing of cold water then an application of Nivea Extreme Comfort Balm (not sure that i'm thrilled with that balm but...) and I was ready to go.

The verdict? I had no idea what I was missing!! My only real issue was that I didn't do a very good job getting the little hairs that grow right near the corners of my mouth.

So... if anyone reads this that is lurking around wondering if they should ditch their electric and give wetshaving a try. Do yourself a favor - Try it!!

I can't wait to see what kind of results I get with a little practice!

[trewornan]

I think the Nivea Balm does a decent job of soothing the skin but it's nothing much in terms of scent - not exactly a luxury item. Then again it doesn't actually smell bad and it's cheap, so all in all I reckon it's fair value for money. Try some witch hazel if you're looking for a slightly more upmarket alternative.

[DunEdinRanger]

I ditched electric forty days ago. Been shaving with a brush and a Schick Quattro since then, but have just started moving into DE with an El Cheapo Flea Market Gillete and Wilkinson Blades.

There is no comparison.

[riooso]

I think the Nivea Balm does a decent job of soothing the skin but it's nothing much in terms of scent - not exactly a luxury item. Then again it doesn't actually smell bad and it's cheap, so all in all I reckon it's fair value for money. Try some witch hazel if you're looking for a slightly more upmarket alternative.

I like the idea that it does not have a scent. I like a great soothing balm and my own scent.

Later,
R

[skrambone]

I'm good with it having little or no scent. Until recently I had been using Domain after shave balm from Mary Kay. I honestly don't know how high of quality it is but it worked pretty well for me and I get LOTS of compliments on the scent. But, as they are apparently discontinuing that product, I am now rationing what I have and looking for an alternative.

[Duckster]

Welcome to B&B! and congratulations on the transition from electric to wet shaving.

[Chuckaluck]

congrats!!! do yourself a favor and try the hot towel gig ( lather up, put a hot, wet towel over your face for a couple of minutes) for your prep! it is awesome!

[thirdeye]

It just gets better and better...Enjoy!!!

[airhead]

Coolness! I was You about 2 months ago. :biggrin:

[vcardona]

Congratulations on your first DE shave. Don't worry about missing spots right now. You'll learn to get them in time.

[skrambone]

congrats!!! do yourself a favor and try the hot towel gig ( lather up, put a hot, wet towel over your face for a couple of minutes) for your prep! it is awesome!
Thanks for that suggestion, i'll give that a try!

[roverman]

I had my first DE shave a few hours ago and I agree with you on the experience, it's really something extra compared to both electric and m3. I didn't get a BBS shave this time but as they say; Practise makes perfect!

[Gaz]

Congrats on the first shave. It will get better as your shaving and lathering technique get better. I've been wetshaving for a little less then a year and the irritation and ingrown hairs are now nonexistent.