Now I need to learn to shave again

[shyrlock]

Hi Folks,
I'm Mike from Albuquerque. After too many years of drudgery shaving with the latest and greatest mach2/3/4/ do I hear 5?
I woke up one day and decided to return to the good old days of mug, brush and double edge safety razor shaving.
I found classicshaving.com and got myself a Merkur Futur, some Merkur blades and a Dovo badger brush. A round of Colonel Conks soap fit nicely into one of my favorite old coffee mugs.
The difference was like day and night. The DE way is so much more pleasant and relaxing. It makes me remember the days long ago, when I was in my twenties. A "special" date on a Saturday night and Saturday afternoon in the
barbers chair getting a luxurious shave. Ah yess, and those shaves were worth every penny and minute.
Back to the present. I have to learn to go a little slower and lighter and to let the razor do it's work. But I am enjoying every minute of it.
So, I found this nice site and am looking forward to learning from you fine fellows(and ladies?).
Thanks, and I'll be around.

Mike

[31M0]

Welcome!
I'm fairly new here as well. But it's a great place.
Everyone's so nice, and really helpful. :biggrin:
Have fun "re-learning"

[jholen]

Greetings Mike! Sounds like you're off to a great start.

In this section of the forums are many many great tutorials and tips on how-to improve and better your technique.

I for one would definitely recommend that you give Kyle's prep a good read - it has helped me acheive much better shaves. Again, this tutorial and many more can be found in the sticky in this section.

Welcome to B&B!

[poppi]

Welcome! I'm pretty new here myself but there are lots of folks more than willing to help out. Stick around, you'll like it here.

[TheThirdDoctor]

Hi Mike:

I have been DE shaving for a few months and have just started using a Straight Razor as well.

Sounds to me as if you have a fine set up. Someone on here was kind enough to give me a flare tip Gillette Superspeed, I believe from 1954 and I love it. Also, someone was kind enough to send me some Derby Extra Blades. If you would like a pack, drop me a PM and I will get some off to you, gratis.

Right now, I have three shaving soap pucks, Lavender, Very Sexy For Men and Ye Olde Barbershop and a badger brush.

You seem to be on the right track. I found technique came naturally to me. Some people struggle, but the result is worth it. Never have I had women wanting to touch the smooth skin on my face before, or have it touch them, :)

Craig

[BroJohn]

Hi Mike, and welcome to B&B!

Many of us have returned to the DE after years, decades, of lousy shaves.

Make sure that you view Mantic's shaving videos (http://www.youtube.com/profile_videos?p=r&user=mantic59&page=2) that he has posted on the net at YouTube. It's well worth your time.

-- John Gehman

[otherstar]

Welcome to the B&B! Sounds like you've got a nice setup there. I'm relatively new at DE shaving myself, but I'm getting very good shaves with minimal irritation and I love it.

[DirtyDave]

Hi Mike,

Sounds like you are off to fine start. B&B is good place to keep up with what is happening in the world of wet shaving, but I have to warn you that the enthusiasm around this site can be contagious. Next thing you know you will have a lot of stuff and a much thinner wallet. The upside is that you will look good and smell nice. :wink:

[Shane]

Great choice in equipment, Mike. Welcome to B&B!

[Kingram]

Welcome,
You came to the right forums. There are a couple of forums and this one is the best IMHO.

[mankini]

Hi Mike, welcome home. I am glad to see you returning to the good ole days.

[mankini]

Hi Mike, welcome home. I am glad to see you returning to the good old days. I too had to learn how to shave all over again, but I am so glad I did!

[JRogers]

Hi Mike and welcome aboard!

[smoothshaver]

Hi Mike, and welcome.
You'll find a number of us started with a DE, then - not knowing any better - wandered off into the "wilderness" :rolleyes:, only to find our way back years later.

As has been noted, there's a load of good info on this site. I've found it helpful to return to these resources for pointers and additional insights from time to time.

[shyrlock]

Thanks to all of you for the warm welcome. I'm going to look at those videos this evening.
I'm starting to get along with my Futur pretty well.

[MMC]

Hi Mike. Sounds like you've gone the same route as me - a shaving junkie returning to the roots of the art!

I've gone from "aw, hell, better get it over with" with the latest Mach Whatever technology to "yeeees - time for a shave!" with my Parker.

It's just good to do something that needs involvement and skill.

:thumbup1:

[frank85]

Hi Mike and welcome aboard! :biggrin:

[Eagle]

2772227723

Good show and welcome back to wetshaving Mike. You'll appreciate the results even more when you upgrade soaps and blades here in about...oh I'd say three or four days :biggrin:. Speaking of blades by now you've seen links to www.westcoastshaving.com. Go there and get some better blades. Merkur's are average at best. Good luck.

[shyrlock]

Thanks Eagle, I think I will try out their sampler pack. Finding just the right blade will be intersting and kind of fun. The Merkurs are OK, and I can get them locally, but I do like to try out new stuff.
By the way, does anyone else use Witch Hazel for an aftershave? I've been using it for decades and I have never found anything better. I love the way it makes my skin feel.
It has kind of a light wood smell to it that goes away quickly.
Thanks again to one and all.
Mike

[Masterofsparks]

Hey Mike!
I am from Rio Rancho and i want to welcome you to B&B! You will find a lot of great folks here and a lot of great advice!
Also in Albuquerque try the Model Pharmacy at Lomas and Monte Vista for a great selection of shaving supplies!

Once again......Welcome!