Howdy! Newbie check-in

[quickerNu]

Hey guys, thought I'd check in here, I've been lurking for a little while now. I was sent over here by my homebrewing forum, I've always had an interest in shaving properly. I want to get a DE, and move up to a straight razor for my 30th b-day coming up.
I received a Gillette sensor XL double blade cartridge razor from the company for my 16th b-day. Good marketing, I used it for years until the mach 3 came out, which is overpriced and has never worked well for me.
I have a badger brush from "The Art of Shaving" on the way, I am bidding on a couple old Gillette's on e-bay, but I think I want to order a new one from merkur first, just not sure which. I would like to keep my initial investment on the low side.

[battlemonk]

I'm a straight razor shaver, so I can't offer you much insight on your double-edged razor choices—but someone will be along shortly to do that, I'm sure. As far as Straights go, there's a lot to look out for in the way of bad ones, and a lot more to find in the way of good ones, both new and old.

Welcome to the site. You've made a good choice to make the switch. I myself started on the Mach 3, and have been subsequently given a Fusion and whatever the four-blade Schick is. I'm much happier now with my badger brush, my cream, and my straight razor.

Happy surfing...

[lamontqsanford]

Just think of all of the money you will be saving not having to buy M3 blades. Welcome, to B&B. You should check out the buy/sell/trade section here for Gillette razors--you will find better deals and better razors. Keep us posted

[Norbert Sykes]

Welcome aboard, quickerNu. I'm pretty new around here too, but I've been "traditional" wet shaving for a few years now. I'm a Gillette razor man myself, but if you want to buy a Merkur, I'd get the 34C (http://www.classicshaving.com/catalog/item/522941/284057.htm).

Now you need some blades and soap and/or cream. Get one of the sample packs here (http://westcoastshaving.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=2) so you can find what blade suits you best. Trust no one but me when it comes to soap. :) Nothing (not even Tabac) performs as well as Provence Sante (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?ltr=P&t=1880) and you can get a puck for $15 with shipping on Amazon (paying double for the bowl is unnecessary). Have fun!

[r5cackus]

Welcome to B&B! Happy to have you.

[z3driver]

Welcome! I started with the Merkur Progress and still use it regularly. The Merkur Slant 39C is my favorite. I have an Gillette Slim that I also use one and a while but I seem to get smoother shaves from the Merkurs all other things being equal, but YMMV. I also agree with the recommendation above to get a blade sampler pack so you can try different blades and pick the one the works best for you. Good luck!

[sandpaper]

Welcome to the boards and the great Merkur vs. Gillette debate. Dig in!

[Cosmic Debris]

Have fun! I am definitely sold on the value of the sampler pack--it's all about what works, and that can change from day to day.

[OldSaw]

Welcome to B&B.

I hope you enjoy your AOS brush as much as I do mine. I have been using mine nearly every day for almost two years.

[kwk285]

Welcome

[netsurfr]

Welcome to B&B!!!

[kevtex]

Welcome to B&B. The Merkur 34C is a great razor.

[wchnu]

Welcome... Enjoy the show.

As some have said get a Gillette from the BST forum here..Lot better then the Bay and cheaper to boot. Really good group of people here for the mostdpart( no names mentioned). Never shaved with a Merkur.. and I think never will myself.

But enjoy, the learning is the fun.

Oh and as a straight shaver as well, You will enjoy learing that skill I bet.

Fuzzy

[jss]

Welcome to our den....

[crankymoose]

Welcome to B&B

you may not save money here but you will enjoy your shaves :biggrin:

[dcnpaulk]

As a brand new DE shaver, I bought the Merkur "Futur", and have not regretted it. I have since acquired a couple of Gillettes, they sre cool, but honestly they can't compare to the shave I get from the Futur. I know a lot of advice tlells you to get the HD, but I really like the advantage of an adjustable. With the setting at 1, it shaves as easy and smooth as a Slim (see this post (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=59102)). But as you get more experience, you can gradually dial it up to suit your preferences.

[frank85]

Welcome Aboard :biggrin:

[THECHEBB]

Welcome to the mix!

[studman46]

Welcome aboard. I can't recommend the 39c slant on a barberpole enough. It is very safe, effective, gets trouble areas easily in fewer passes and less irritating. Close as a straight IMHO. Have the Merkur Futur, too, which is also a great razor but takes some taming. They both outperform all my gillette razors. If interested, call Lee at Lee's Razors. Great vendor that stands behind his products and is very helpful and knowledgeable. He doesn't charge S&H if you tell him your a B&B member. His ph. is 1-800-503-5001. The 39c slant is $41 out the door. Keep us posted. Good luck.

[Eagle]

3058730588

Welcome to the B&B.