Merkur Futur a good choice?

[Kate]

It doesn't seem to be the done thing for women to post here, but my husband's birthday is coming up and the same man who wouldn't think twice before buying me anything I wanted can't force himself to spend the money for the decent DE razor I know he's wanted for a year.

I don't know much about wet shaving, and I can't ask him too much without giving away the surprise. (I do know he has nothing in particular in mind, so no worries there.) I'm thinking of the Merkur FUTUR 4-Piece Razor Set (http://www.vintagebladesllc.com/vshop/xcart/product.php?productid=324&cat=143&page=1) in Polished Chrome. Merkur seems to be pretty well recommended as a first, and from what I have read the brush sounds good.

Am I missing something? Would something else be a better choice? I apologize if this question has been answered repeatedly, but I couldn't find an answer when I looked. In case it helps, my husband is extremely fair, with a coarse, dark beard and somewhat (but not very) sensitive skin. He is currently using a Mach III.

Thanks for your help!

[Chagidiel]

Without knowing anything about your husband its a bit tricky to answer... Yes, the Futur is a great razor (IMO), but it is not a very good beginners razor. If he has experience with DE-shaving its a done deal. And yes, the Merkur Brush is a really nice, good silvertip.

If he, on the other hand dont have previous experience with a DE I would recommend another Merkur razor, the HD (Merkur 34c HD) It is a good beginners razor, and it will serve him just as good when he is climbing the DE-experience ladder..

And dont forget the soaps and cremes :smile:

[Chagidiel]

Here is the HD on the site you have been looking at..

http://www.vintagebladesllc.com/vshop/xcart/product.php?productid=87&cat=129&page=1

Feel free to ask away... It is always fun to help a stranger becoming a fellow DE-shaver:biggrin:

[Kate]

Thanks for your kind response, Chagidiel.

Would you mind explaining why the HD makes a good beginner's razor and the Futur does not? I tend to make decisions very deliberately, so the more information, the better!

[Jonnybc]

Hi Kate

Welcome to B&B, theres a few women on the forum and are always as welcome as the men.

As far as the gift is concerned I'd be more inclined to go with an assortment of gear unless you are totally sold on the complete package the Merkur Futur set gives you. Also, the Future has a fair bit of blade exposure and isn't the easiest razor to learn with. If I were buying a package for someone I'd probably purchase the following:

Merkur "Hefty Classic" Safety Razor (http://www.classicshaving.com/catalog/item/522941/284057.htm) $29
Rooney Shaving Brush, Style 3, Medium, "Best Badger" (http://www.classicshaving.com/catalog/item/2053630/2184110.htm) $79
LetterK's small Blade sampler pack (http://www.badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=2379&highlight=sampler) $14
Proraso Shaving Cream (http://www.classicshaving.com/catalog/item/522960/381257.htm) $10
Proraso "Liquid Cream" After Shave Balm (http://www.classicshaving.com/catalog/item/522960/381297.htm) $15
A shallow soup bowl or something similar $5
A cologne of your choice, but you'd have to smell some to decide what you like.

I used classic shaving as thier range is pretty comprehensive.

I would love to receive the above as a gift and It's a bit cheaper than the Merkur Futur set.

[Steelforge]

I would second the above recommendation.

I actually started with a Merkur Futur, it's not impossible to learn with but it's not the most forgiving razor for a beginner. With the benefit of hindsight I would probably have chosen a Merkur HD (Hefty Classic) instead.

[jazzbass]

I agree with Thomas. I started wetshaving a couple of months ago. I bought a Futur and after alot of nicks & cuts & adjusting I bought a Merkur HD. No nore nicks and cuts. I am thinking that my technique was not good enough to use a razor like the Futur. I also found the Futur heavy and to large for my hands. I will probably refine my technique with the HD, then give the Futur another try.
I hope this helps.:smile:

[Chagidiel]

Its basically a question of agressiveness.. With agression we mean the risk of getting bad razorburn, nicks or cuts - basically all bad things. The Futur is a VERY agressive razor, it is adjustable but even at its lowest setting it is still up there. And it is HEAVY, which makes it quite easy to add too much pressure, and get razorburn.. If you dont have proper technique you might get of to a bad start - one might say that a Futur has a very steep learning curve.

The HD on the other hand is a fixed head razor. It is a gentler shaver which is much more forgiving on newbie errors. Its easier to find proper angle and to learn to shave without added pressure. Still it is an exellent razor that you get nice BBS shaves with all you life..

I have both the Futur and the HD, and I say that the HD is a better razor. Both will (when you master them) give a BBS shave with proper technique but the Futur will always be like a tiger in a cage - one laps of concentration and it might bite.

I hope this does some sence..:smile:

[Kate]

Everyone seems to like the HD for a beginner, and given the explanation of the Futur's aggressiveness I can see why. Thank you--this is good to know! And the razor sampler is an especially great idea.

Two questions:

Any reason to go with a Rooney brush over a Vulvix?

Is there anyplace you know of that has a good selection of stands that will fit the razor and brush? My theory is that it's better to preempt any counter-mess discussions by just getting something that will organize things and look nice from the start.

[Chagidiel]

As far as brush goes - I tend to like German Muehle-pinsel. And they happen to have quite a few nice stands as well.. But they dont carry the HD..

Anyhow:
www.muehle-pinsel.de

And yes, the site is in english as well as German

Hope you can figure out what to buy :shaving:

[Jonnybc]

Everyone seems to like the HD for a beginner. Good to know! And the razor sampler is an especially great idea.

Two questions:

Any reason to go with a Rooney brush over a Vulvix?

Is there anyplace you know of that has a good selection of stands that will fit the razor and brush? My theory is that it's better to preempt any counter-mess discussions by just getting something that will organize things and look nice.

No particular reason really, Rooney is amongst the top three brushmakers and as it's a gift I would go with a Rooney if it's within budget. I own a Vulfix brush which I'm happy with but it's not my favourite. If you wanted to look further afield a Simpson (http://www.gentlemans-shop.com/acatalog/Simpsons_Brushes.html) is said to be the epitome of brushes with lots of choices of hair quality and handle shape, the prices on this site are £ not $.

[Dennis]

We need more information... Your husband has never shaved with a DE razor before? A Futur was the first razor I bought. Not a great choice for someone just starting DE shaving, but not horrible either. It is a great shaving razor with a god-awful design. You can likely slice your thumb open with the absolutely silly pop-the-cap-off blade change, and I found the smooth design very slippery and hard to hold when wet. I have not used the Futur brush or the bowl that would come in the kit.

The recommended (new) razor to start with is the Merkur HD or Hefty Classic. A used razor would proabaly be an old Gillette Tech or Gillette Adjustable (Fat Boy) off eBay or on a buy/sell/trade here on the board. I don't know if you want to give your husband a "used" razor though for his birthday... :biggrin: If you are set on something pricy like a Futur gift set, at least look at the Vision which is a nicer razor with better design (IMO of course).

If you really want to be well-researched and give a very nice kit, you could absolutely no worse than mixing and matching your own kit. I would gift the Merkur Hefty Classic (from qedusa.com or leesrazors.com), a nice Simpson brush in Super Badger like a Persian Jar (PJ) 2 (leesrazors.com - call him telling him you are a B&B member to get better pricing), a cool clay or pottery bowl you find at an import-type store (lowish and wide as opposed to tall and deep - think a cereal bowl or mixing-type bowl. Don't forget a few nice soaps or creams too like Taylor of Old Bond creams and/or QED soaps (qedusa.com).

Just my two cents -
Dennis

[Kate]

No, my husband has never shaved with a DE razor before. Recommendations should be for a complete newbie.

I think, upon reflection, that it will be nicer to choose a kit rather than just buy a set. I have no problem with "used" razors but would be more comfortable (since I know so little) buying a new one.

Also, dear god there are a lot of brushes to choose from. I should check out the brush forum rather than hassling you to repeat recommendations I bet you've given before.

[boboakalfb]

Welcome Kate...

Here is another option...

Shavemac's Set (http://shavemac.com/index.php?lang=en&area=men&sel=3&cat=2&product=22597&prod_id=5)

Same non-adjustable head as the Merkur HD and it comes with a handsome brush and stand.

Its a bit more than the Futur set but another option.

You could also sub the Rooney for a C&E Best Badger (http://store.crabtree-evelyn.com/acc130147.html)which is only $35. This
along with the Merkur HD would be a good start. Then you can order the sampler from Scotto which would allow him to try some different creams before buying tubs.

[Dennis]

No, my husband has never shaved with a DE razor before. Recommendations should be for a complete newbie.

Yup - the HD for sure then. After this, it is all a matter of what you like and preference once you have been shaving for a while. If you start and like it, you end up getting more stuff anyway (you have been forewarned...) :wink:

Vulifx makes nice brushes. They tend to be overly floppy and they are not really my favorite. Vulfix makes most of "branded" brushes for companies like Truefitt and Hill, Trumper, etc...).

Rooney makes nice brushes. I have never owned one.

Simpson makes very nice brushes - they are surely in the top three of brush makers.

Shavemac makes gorgeous brushes - ditto.

Brushes tend to fall into price categories (low to high) - best, super, and silvertip. Buy your delightful hubby at least a Super. In fact, let me amend my suggestions...

A Shavemac (http://www.shavemac.com/index.php?lang=en&area=men&sel=2&cat=4) brush. Oh, the horn, so pretty ... :o16:

The HD razor - from qedusa.com (the website stinks, send Charles the owner an email about what you would like to buy and he will write you back in beautiful and efficient prose). :biggrin:

While at QED, get some nice creams and soaps. Look at Trumpers, Taylor of Old Bond Street, along with his QEDman soaps.

The rest of the suggestions hold. Just keep your questions in this thread - all the same people will answer anyway...

Dennis

[Kate]

Bob, that shavemac set is gorgeous. I love it.

Do you think the razor would be the same quality as the HD and as easy to learn on? I think this is the point you were making when you said it had the same head, but still, I want to be clear.

I love the idea of getting him a really good brush, but hesitate to spend over £100 for a Simpsons brush as his first. Would the shavemac brush in that set be radically worse? From what's been said I don't think he'd remotely suffer with it, but I'd like to have a clearer idea of the difference in quality before deciding.

Soaps and lotions and things--now that's something I know I can have fun choosing with the brands you recommend.

[fatt_tony]

Kate after his birthday make him join this site so we can see how his DE shaving is coming along and guide him through his journey:biggrin: There are alot of very knowledgeble people on this site (not me) that could answer any concerns he might have once he gets started.

[Kate]

Kate after his birthday make him join this site so we can see how his DE shaving is coming along and guide him through his journey:biggrin: There are alot of very knowledgeble people on this site (not me) that could answer any concerns he might have once he gets started.
I noticed that! Posters here are remarkably good and helpful to beginners. I will definitely encourage him to watch the videos and post concerns.

[Dennis]

Uh oh! Pounds! Then you are not stateside. Take US vendors with a grain of salt then and perhaps the UK fellows can offer more local vendor advice. Bernd at Shavemac (in Germany) also sells the HD - you can do the "big" shopping there for a brush and the razor. You will still need soaps and creams from somewhere and don't forget razor blades! John (letterk) on the boards here put together a wonderful package of 5 or 10 of each of the popular brands of razors (Israeli, Swedish Gillette, Derby, Feather, and Merkur) so you can try them all out in one easy swoop. He ships across the pond for very reasonable rates. Here is the thread (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=2379). Different people like different blades so this is a very good thing. I think you are on your way to a nice kit if looking at Shavemacs...

Dennis

[Jonnybc]

If you're in the UK the I can't recommend The Gentleman's Shop (http://www.gentlemans-shop.com/) highly enough! Their range is awesome and the service excellent.

[Chagidiel]

Bob, that shavemac set is gorgeous. I love it.

Do you think the razor would be the same quality as the HD and as easy to learn on? I think this is the point you were making when you said it had the same head, but still, I want to be clear.

I love the idea of getting him a really good brush, but hesitate to spend over £100 for a Simpsons brush as his first. Would the shavemac brush in that set be radically worse? From what's been said I don't think he'd remotely suffer with it, but I'd like to have a clearer idea of the difference in quality before deciding.

Soaps and lotions and things--now that's something I know I can have fun choosing with the brands you recommend.

The shavemac set is a winner - no doubt.. As for quality of the razor I guess the HD might be a bit more sturdy, it IS a Heavy Duty. But the shavemac will last at least 10-15 yrs, at that point it might be time to get a new one anyway:biggrin: As far as the brush goes - if it is a genuine ShaveMac it is a very good brush, expect it would be at least just as good as the Merkur brush in the Futur Set. I actually had forgotten about the nice ShaveMac set. Otherwise I might have pointed you towards it.. Silly me:tongue:

[Chagidiel]

Bob, that shavemac set is gorgeous. I love it.

Do you think the razor would be the same quality as the HD and as easy to learn on? I think this is the point you were making when you said it had the same head, but still, I want to be clear.

I love the idea of getting him a really good brush, but hesitate to spend over £100 for a Simpsons brush as his first. Would the shavemac brush in that set be radically worse? From what's been said I don't think he'd remotely suffer with it, but I'd like to have a clearer idea of the difference in quality before deciding.

Soaps and lotions and things--now that's something I know I can have fun choosing with the brands you recommend.

Sorry, forgot... Yes it would be as easy to learn on the ShaveMac razor, it is the same head on them. Silly me again:redface:

[boboakalfb]

Bob, that shavemac set is gorgeous. I love it.

Do you think the razor would be the same quality as the HD and as easy to learn on? I think this is the point you were making when you said it had the same head, but still, I want to be clear.

I love the idea of getting him a really good brush, but hesitate to spend over £100 for a Simpsons brush as his first. Would the shavemac brush in that set be radically worse? From what's been said I don't think he'd remotely suffer with it, but I'd like to have a clearer idea of the difference in quality before deciding.

Soaps and lotions and things--now that's something I know I can have fun choosing with the brands you recommend.

I don't have that razor...I believe that DJ has that set so if you are reading this DJ maybe you can comment. The good thing about the fixed head is the inability to tinker with the settings and to focus on your technique. Some prefer the HD...some the classic...some the long handle version. All share the same head...just different handles. I think that a beginner is fine with all of them. He just needs to focus on no pressure.

There are people out there that think the Simpsons brushes are the end all best thing out there...and there are others who like the Savile Row Silvertips and Shavemac's instead. The latter being a bit less money. It really depends what qualities you like in a brush...and this isn't something he would know until he gets into it.

This is why I mentioned the C&E brush for only $35. A good bang for the buck and would allow him to get into wet shaving without a large up front investment.

[Kate]

Thanks so much for all your help!

I think I have decided on the Shavemac set and letterk's razor sampler--two things I never would have found without your responses. Now I just have to figure out creams and soaps and things. (I am in fact stateside--I just noticed the Simpson's prices in pounds and didn't even want to think of how much that would be in USD.)

Is there a reason to choose a cream over a soap? I kind of like the concept of the soaps, all things being equal.

[Dennis]

Thanks so much for all your help!

I think I have decided on the Shavemac set and letterk's razor sampler--two things I never would have found without your responses. Now I just have to figure out creams and soaps and things. (I am in fact stateside--I just noticed the Simpson's prices in pounds and didn't even want to think of how much that would be in USD.)

Is there a reason to choose a cream over a soap? I kind of like the concept of the soaps, all things being equal.

I have to admit, this is kind of fun... :biggrin:

There is not really much difference - try one or two of each and let him decide what he likes. Sometimes sopas are harder to lather than creams and the lather is different between them. There are classic English vendors like Truefitt and Hill, Geo F Trumper, Cyril Salter, and Taylor of Old Bond Street. They make excellent creams and you can have fun picking the flavors. Taylor and Salter are cheapest price-wise, but this does not mean they are at all cheap quality-wise, but this does not mean they are at all cheap quality-wise. Trumper is most expensive but quite good also. You can do general searches here on B&B and there are threads like what are your favo(u)rite creams and soaps and those might lead you to some decisions.

I have been liking soaps lately for some reason. I really like Charles QEDman soaps (qedusa.com), and there are several ladies on this board that are soap makers that just make awesome stuff - the several Sues (Honeybee, Mama Bear, St.Charles Shave), and Olivia from France and Colleen from Germany as well. Tabac soap is good too - Bernd carries that I believe also.

Dennis

[Chagidiel]

I think the common sensus is that a cream is a bit easier to lather and gives a tad better moisturising effect. My self I use almost only soaps, so I guess its on of those "to each his own"

I say buy him some of both and let him decide what he likes..

[moses]

Kate,

Good luck with all the purchasing decisions. It would probaby help somewhat to know how much you are willing to spend on this. I know, it is a little rude to ask, but it would help with the advice. ;) That said, I tend to think that a Simpson brush as a first might not be the best idea. Just that brush choice seems to be pretty personal, so it might be best to let your husband get into it, and determine what he likes best before getting a super high end brush.

Personally, I think that Shavemac set would be great, especially if you like the idea of giving he a cool matching outfit like that. Shavemac would be a good brush I think to start with. It is nicer than what a lot of poeple start with, including me. But it seems to be a fairly moderate brush, not super stiff and scrubby like some, and not super floppy like others. If you do much research, you will find that a lot of people who get into this collect endless equipment. If you husband does this, I would say there is still a very high likelihood that the Shavemac would stay one of his favorite brushes.

As for the razor, the one from the Shavemac set should be just as good a beginner razor as the HD, I would think. It actually is the same razor, except for the handle. (If you look around the Shavemac site, you will find he also sells the regular Murker HD razor).

Also, Bernd, the owner of Shavemac is very willing to do custom would. That black set is the only one on the website with that style of razor. If you see other colors you like, or if you wanted to get the Four Piece set with the lathering bowl, just email, and tell him what you want, and he will most likely be happy to quote you a price (it will be slightly more for being custom, but not all that much more, I think). Of course, this relies on you having a little time, but again, I think his turn around for custom projects is pretty fast.

Also, if you did this, you could consider going with a "finest" grade badger brush instead of silvertip, which would save some money. (Understand that this does not really mean lower quality, so much as different, and cheaper because of relative scarcity of the hair. I have a Finest Shavemac and LOVE it. It is very soft and feels great, but according to Bernd is slightly stiffer than the Silvertip, a characteristic I prefer). You could also consider getting the regular Murker HD handle instead of the custom handle, depending on which you like the look of better.

Hope this isn't getting too confusing, with all the options. People here are glad to help, though.

Also, assuming that you husband currently does not use a brush, and probably shaves with a canned cream/gel, it would be good to make sure you give him everything he needs at once, so he doesn't have to wait to try it.

Blades to start with. Anywhere you get a Murker razor will also sell their blades, which I found a great choice to start with. Otherwise, there is a fellow named John (aka Letterk) on this forum who sells a sampler pack containing a few of each of the five most popular blades. At some point, your husband will probably want to try this.

Also, some kind of cream or soap. Probably a cream. A lot of people suggest Proraso cream. You can pick it up a Target which is nice. Personally, I would get him a tub of Taylor's Avocado cream. ClassicShaving has it, of you order from there. QED also caries it, if you order there (great place to order from).

Speaking of QED. If you don't get a Shavemac set, but instead put together a package of selections yourself, I would call Charles at QED. He provides THE BEST customer service, and is apparently extremely helpful on the phone. He has everything you need, at an excellent price, and would be happy to guide you through the selection process. You would probably end up with a Saville Row brush, which is said to be a great line of brushes at very reasonable prices, and a Merkur HD, along with either Taylor or Proraso cream. He also sells shaving soaps that he makes, which are fantastic.

Good luck.

Disclaimer: I am relatively new at this, so while I hope my advice is helpful, do not confuse it with that of one of the real gurus here.

[Kate]

As far as how much I can spend, it doesn't really matter so long as I think the money is worth spending. But if it got too much over $500, I would probably pause and wonder whether I should wait until he'd gotten into it a bit and had more of an idea what he'd like.

And moses, I really appreciate the custom-work suggestion, which would make a really special present and indulge my make-it-pretty impulses. I have the time to do it and definitely will get in touch with them soon!

I think choosing one or two each of soaps and creams is a good idea. Let him decide what he likes, as you say. It might be really fun to try something handmade. I know he likes bergamot and herbal scents (like Orange Verte) and that musk is a very bad idea. Right now he's not using creams or gels, which he hated and which dried out his face--he's actually using a lotion-like stuff from Kiss My Face. I'll check around in the forum to see what might appeal.

As far as pre-shave gels and oils, do they work? Do they coat your skin or your brush? Should I bother picking up one?

This is all coming together so well now!

[moses]

Hmm.... looks like you settled on Shavemac while I was typing. Great choice (note what I said about custom work, if you see any other colors, etc, that you prefer).

As for creams and soaps, I am developing a slight preference for soap, actually. But I agree that creams are slightly easier to lather. My two favorite soaps at the moment are QED and Honeybee. QED soaps are very strongly and wonderfully scented with only natural essential oils. The ones I have tried tend to have very strong, clear, and simple scents (most of his scents are only one or two elements). Honeybee scents are slightly softer (I do sort of wish they were stronger) and mostly seem to be blends. The ones I have tried are fantastic mixes. I find Honeybee to be slighly more moisterizing, and slightly easier to lather. QED might provide me an ever so slightly closer shave. Both are great.

For creams, I still stand by my suggestion for Taylor's Avocado. It is very easy to use, and has an extremely pleasant and relaxing "green" scent. The choice might depend in part on what you think your husband would like in scents. Proraso I find a little medicinal smelling (not a bad thing, but just keep in mind). Taylor Avocado is very fresh and green. There are a variety of other Taylor creams that are scented with their colognes, if you think he would prefer a more classic "manly" smell. My pick, among the things I have tried, for the easiest to use, most protective, and easiest shaving cream of all is Truffit & Hill Ultimate Comfort - wonderful stuff, that is technically unscented, but actually has a mild, but very pleasant, lavendar aroma from the lavendar oil that is used for its skin conditioning properties.

You might as well get him a cream and a soap. I would suggest for soap either QED or Honeybee (depending on whether you are ordering anything else from QED, your comfort level with ebay - the only source for Honeybee - and the scents choices you like), and for cream either Ultimate Comfort or your choice of Taylor cream (probably either Avocado or a cologne scent).

[Dennis]

I think choosing one or two each of soaps and creams is a good idea. Let him decide what he likes, as you say. It might be really fun to try something handmade. I know he likes bergamot and herbal scents (like Orange Verte) and that musk is a very bad idea. Right now he's not using creams or gels, which he hated and which dried out his face--he's actually using a lotion-like stuff from Kiss My Face. I'll check around in the forum to see what might appeal.

As far as pre-shave gels and oils, do they work? Do they coat your skin or your brush? Should I bother picking up one?

This is all coming together so well now!

The Kiss My Face stuff is actually very good. I use it pretty regularly especially mixed with Toms of Maine Mint. It will be a different experience though when he whips the KMF cream with a brush! Very nice!

Don't bother with pre-shave gel or oils. Another recommendation would be to look through the Shave of the Day (SOTD) and see what everyone is using. People generally list: razor, blade, brush, cream/soap, toner/aftershave balm, and cologne. Instead of preshave, make sure to include a nice unscented aftershave balm like Nivea Senstive Skin, Proraso liquid, or Feather Kanwa (available at classicshaving.com). I think you can pick a cologne for your hubby if you so desire. :biggrin:

Dennis

[moses]

Kate,

Re the soaps I suggested. I would definitely get him either QED or Honeybee or both soaps, if you like the idea of something homemade.

For QED, go here (http://www.qedusa.com). In the menu bar on the left look at the bottom for "other great toiletry...." Click on that and look find QEDman shaving soap. You will have to order by email, but don't worry, Charles is helpful and it isn't that hard. He has a Bergamot, btw.

For Honeybee, look here (http://stores.ebay.com/Honeybee-Spa-Soaps_Shaving-Soaps_W0QQcolZ4QQdirZ1QQfsubZ6QQftidZ2QQtZkm). There is a complete fragrance list here (http://www.honeybeespa.com/hss-fragrance.html). That should take you a while to go through.... Btw, while shaving soap in all of these flavors is not currently listed as available in the Ebay store, you can probably get most of them, especially the manly ones. Just email her, if you don't see a listing for the one you want. (Please don't kill me for suggesting that, Sue).

Other choices:

A lot of people like Mama Bear (http://www.bear-haven.com/Page3.html) soaps, also made by a Sue. She just upgraded her formula, too, to make it even spiffier. Plenty of frangrance choices.

Also, Saint Charles Shave (http://www.saintcharlesshave.com/products.htm) is popular here. This Sue (yes, really, they are all Sue) also has a recently formulated shaving cream that is getting great reviews (http://www.badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=5448). Note that Sue is on vacation very soon - but if you are not in a hurry yet this shouldn't be a problem.

Olivia (middle name Sue), also makes homemade shaving soap (http://www.olivia-seife.de/menshaving.htm) that is supposed to be great. A little more expensive because of the exchange rate and shipping from Germany. Maybe not the very best for a beginner though, because I have heard (not having tried it yet) that it is a little hard to lather (although worth it once you get it down). Really cool looking stuff though. This one and Honeybee seem especially favored for skin moisterizing, btw.

By the way, all four Sues (including Olivia) are members here, so if you want to ask one something, just throw it out in the soap forum, or send them a private message. Charles you would have to call or email. He is very quick on responding to email.

Finally, as to pre-shave, I wouldn't go there just now. Some people like some kind of pre-shave, some don't. But it definitely is not necessary, so why complicate things.

Finally finally. After shave balm is good. If your husband doesn't use one now, get one. I kind of like Nivea Sensitive. Cheap, available at most drug stores, effective, and very fleeting but pleasant scent that won't interfere with any cologne he might want to wear.

[Queen of Blades]

Welcome to B&B, Kate!

I have nothing to add to this already overwhelming amount of good advice. :crying:

[madmedic]

The other thing to consider....if you are in the UK....buy from the European Union....otherwise you will be hit by Import duty and VAT. Your max on commercial goods is £18.00 ...and then of course...on top of all the other charges...the Post Office handling charge.:angry:

Brian

[madmedic]

Disregard my last.....the replys are too fast for me!!!!
Brian

[bnett]

Kate,

Regarding your choice of creams, I have to echo the suggestion of Taylor of Old Bond Street's Advocado. I've purchased it for friends trying the DE/wet shave method, and all have loved it. I've used a ton of different, wonderful creams, and it remains my staple. Lots of people seem to like it.

Also, I happen to be a big fan of the Geo. F. Trumpers Lime Skin Food for post-shave. It feels and smells great (but the smell doesn't linger).

I'm sure I speak for many on these forums when I say that we are slightly envious of your husband, given the energy and thoughtfulness with which you've pursued this process.

Best of luck,
Brian