Newbie questions.

[chriss]

I'm getting ready to take the plunge into wet shaving and I need some advice: I'm about to order a Merkur HD and blade sample pack from West Coast Shaving and I was wondering if I could use regular shaving cream for a bit until I get the technique down. I've got some nice Ren shaving cream and aftershave. Can I use it while I get the technique down, and then switch to making my own lather, etc.?

[pbroddi]

Welcome to B&B.

Sounds like you're onto a good start with the HD and Sampler pack.

If you have a cream that works for you, then use it! Don't feel pressured to use what everyone else is or feel the need to ask permission to use what you have already. There's lots of time to try all of the great soaps/creams products you've read about on here (and you will!). The most important thing is that you learn the techniques (see Mantic59s tutorials on youtube and the stickys at the top of this board) and enjoy yourself. There'll be plenty of good advice on this board too, so don't be afraid to ask a question or 20! :001_smile

[The_Danish_Guy]

Welcome to B&B :001_smile


Welcome to B&B.

Sounds like you're onto a good start with the HD and Sampler pack.

If you have a cream that works for you, then use it! Don't feel pressured to use what everyone else is or feel the need to ask permission to use what you have already. There's lots of time to try all of the great soaps/creams products you've read about on here (and you will!). The most important thing is that you learn the techniques (see Mantic59s tutorials on youtube and the stickys at the top of this board) and enjoy yourself. There'll be plenty of good advice on this board too, so don't be afraid to ask a question or 20! :001_smile


.... what he said!! :001_smile

[Dustinl]

Welcome to Badger & Blade!

I think you should certainly continue using your current cream until you are comfortable enough with your technique and want to start exploring cream and soap options.


DL

[alabamalawyer]

Looks like you made a good choice on razor and blades. If the cream is working for you, continue to use it. Just take your time and focus on technique.

[Ru4scuba?]

Welcome to the Badger!

[40_Caliber]

Welcome!

[DunEdinRanger]

Welcome, but allow me to be the voice of dissent.

Using a brush and soap/cream will elevate your shaving above and beyond what it is now. Using a DE takes it up higher still.

My advice is to start making your own rich, luxurious, warm lather. You don't need an expensive shaving cream. In fact, there are many good, inexpensive ones out there. Real Shaving Company available at Rite Aid is one. WARS shaving cream from Poland and sold by Shaving Essentials is another.

Bigelow sells a rebranded Prorasso mentholated cream for $10. If you have one locally, you may want to try that out, and attempt to mooch samples of Geo. F. Trumper's from the clerks. :biggrin:

[thirdeye]

Welcome to B&B, I see the fellows have it covered...Enjoy!!!

[TFrankMac2140]

Welcome to B&B! Everyone else pretty much covered it!

[pal]

Welcome Chriss, check out this site http://mamabearssoaps.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_25&products_id=124 What I like about Mama Bear's shaving soap is it is a high quality but it also comes in a tub with a lid for convience. If you but a puck of soap you will have to put it in a mug and use it everyday until it is gone. With Mama Bears cups you can use a different fragrance each day. It also allows you the choice of 'face lathering' or mixing your lather in a cup.

[SilkySmooth]

Welcome aboard!

[Mr.Gentleman]

Welcome!!!!

[Hando]

Welcome aboard!!

i'm with the Ranger on this one.
i shaved for years with a brush and soap (grandads old boar + wilkinson sword bowl) while using a variety of different cartridge razors before getting a DE, but while visiting friends and borrowing a can of foam for a shave, i realised having good quality lather makes the biggest difference for a beginer.
practice this for a while and when your making good lather consistently add the DE

my conflicting opinion

Hando