Welcome Stereophile Fellas!

[joel]

I noticed we were (B&B) were featured in this months Stereophile (page 19) and wanted to welcome our new members/readers who are joining us from Stereophile!

Enjoy - and don't be afraid to ask questions!

[rifleman67]

hey i read sam telligs article last month, one of his better one's, and came over here to check you out. then went downtown to the local antique mall, and
came home with a used british gillette super speed, and a cute little badger brush {used but next to new} for a whole 16 canadian pesos {$}. popped down to london drugs, and came home some wilkensen sword blades. been doing the double edge for about 10 days now. jury is not in yet,fun, cool to use and i still remember that my 5 blade new gillette vibrator razor gives a good shave. but having fun with the s.speed. thanx to sam for sending me this way re: d e shavers great web site

[SmoovD]

Welcome aboard, rifleman. Give the DE a chance and you will never go back.

[jazzman]

Welcome, Rifleman! Sam's been giving interesting advice for a long time, and he did a good job of describing us. I particularly liked how he slipped in a reference to his shaving shelf when describing the back of a component.

[ouch]

Step right up, make yourselves at home.
http://www.magnepan.com/img/models/MG201_01.jpg

[HiFiGuy]

Hi Guys,

Yes, Sam Tellig's column mentioned Badger & Blade and his favorite ShaveMac brush and Merkur 38C "Barber Pole" razor, among other things. I have been a wet shaver for years, but never to this extent! I'm 38, and I was really fed up with the cans of goo (hate 'em) and 25-blade vibrating razors with big refill price tags, so Sam's column really struck a chord with me. That Stereophile column is why I joined B&B, and I'm really glad I did, I'm learning so much!

I've jettisoned the goo, got myself set up with a new Ed Jagger Best Badger Brush, a tube of Proraso (YAYYYY!!!), a bunch of other real shaving creme samples, a puck of Van Der Hagen Select, and started using aftershave again (Pinaud Clubman, Brut A/S Balm, Gillette A/S, looking at some new ones :biggrin:).

I'm still using my Fusion razor untill the cartridges run out, but I've already got my eyes on a Merkur 38C, and I called my mom to see if she kept my dad's (deceased) old Gillette. I remember him shaving with it when I was a kid, but I'm not exactly sure what model it is. My guess is a SuperSpeed.... NONE of this would have happened before that column and my visit to B&B!!!

Now I've even started a thread to chronicle my journey (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=77687), I'm visiting B&B every day, watching Mantic on YouTube, coveting new shave gear, and I even started reading up on METHOD SHAVING!!

Woah - the pen really is mightier than the sword - but not as sharp as a FEATHER!!! :lol:

[RichGem]

Welcome guys! Glad to have you aboard.

[castlecraver]

Welcome Stereophile readers!

I was wondering if anyone could scan the page where we're mentioned? I stopped by my local B&N today, but they didn't have the mag. I'd love to see it.

[timely1]

Thanks just got a 1912 ever ready and am retiring a fusion.

[soapbox]

Thanks just got a 1912 ever ready and am retiring a fusion.

Welcome to B&B! That's the sort of thing we love to see.

[Spatterdash]

We were written up in Stereophile?

Wow, nice!

I remember just a few months back when new members were brought here gagged and weeping at gunpoint while large men in fuzzy badger costumes poured Pinaud Clubman on us while asking "Does it burn?" in really high-pitched voices...

[papasmurf]

does any one have this issue ?

If so please scan it so the rest of us could see it

[Jim Bowie]

does any one have this issue ?

If so please scan it so the rest of us could see it

Doesn't B&B have a policy about respecting intellectual property?

[Nick]

It's my understanding that this month's print issue will be available online once next month's is released. I know it's a long wait, but it's probably best that we wait for it to be released online.

If you really want to read the article (it's pretty good), you can always call up your local bookstore and see if they carry Stereophile. :wink:

-Nick

[ouch]

I always said these are two hobbies that go hand in hand.
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=704&d=1148139831
Bonus points for identifying the radio station.

[papasmurf]

bonus points for identifying the radio station.

wqxr

[Mr. Clean]

KSCS :biggrin:

[DaveC]

I saw a few requests for a posting of Sam's article. I scanned the article into a pdf and attempted to post it, but received a message that the file size is too large for posting here. Since this is a shaving forum, not a computer forum, and I know even less about computers than I do about DE shaving (I started wet shaving about two weeks ago after reading the article in the magazine) if anyone knows how to resize a .pdf, I would be happy to email it to you for resizing and posting. Just let me know and thanks for a great site.

[ouch]

wqxr

Correctamundo, from the gentleman in NY.

[Handy]

Correctamundo, from the gentleman in NY.

It broadcasts from the top of the Empire State Building so it must be good.

[lax1mxr]

My two favorite hobbies, a great shave and audiophile quality music.

"Hi, this is Sam Tellig, the sound you are about to hear should appear to come from the left loudspeaker.......".

Guy's a legend. Glad to hear we have two things in common.

[abadan]

Hi Guys

I am a Stereophile subscriber living in the UK.

I read Sam Tellig's article, and am considering trying out the Merkur 38C, buying a badger brush, and some Trumper's shaving soap.

I am 43 years old, and currently use a Gillette Fusion Power razor with the appropriate blades.

Anyone tried the Merkur 38C? Which blades would work well with it?

Any suggestions/advice would be gratefully received.

Regards
Abadan

[Trius]

Hi Guys

I am a Stereophile subscriber living in the UK.

I read Sam Tellig's article, and am considering trying out the Merkur 38C, buying a badger brush, and some Trumper's shaving soap.

I am 43 years old, and currently use a Gillette Fusion Power razor with the appropriate blades.

Anyone tried the Merkur 38C? Which blades would work well with it?

Any suggestions/advice would be gratefully received.

Regards
Abadan

Welcome! I am an ex-subscriber to Stereophile ... only because it caused so much audio and valve lust that was beyond my bank manager's approval. :lol:

My first DE when I resumed wet shaving was the 38C, which I still have an use in my rotation. I think it is a great razor, and a very good choice to begin. It's aggressive enough, but not too aggressive.

You will likely get a Merkur blade or two with the razor, which most here do not care for. I never had a big issue with the blade that came with my 38C, but once I tried other blades, I realized how inadequate it was for me. Not the sharpest, and not the smoothest.

You will get a LOT of opinions about blades, and it will vary wildly. My top 3 are:


Feather New High Stainless
Astra Superior
Gillette Platinum Plus (aka "Swedes")


Nearly everyone agrees that Feathers are about the sharpest DE available, but some don't like them, saying they are either "too sharp" or "rough" or that they deteriorate rapidly. I have never found any of those things to be true for me, but that's me.

Many say "meh" to the Astras, others agree with me, so again it's individual.

Nearly everyone agrees that the Gillettes are about the smoothest blade around and are "sharp enough" and long-lasting. I am not yet sure their price makes them significantly better than the Astras to justify.

The Feathers are generally one of the more expensive blades, but I get lots of good shaves from them and I don't think I will ever give them up unless the quality control goes bad.

I have tried other blades that I also like and can be happy with, but those three top my list so I pretty much stick with them.

Also, I sometimes change up the blade depending on which razor I use, but that's a different story.

[abadan]

Hi Trius

Many thanks for your response.

Cheers
Abadan

[papasmurf]

Correctamundo, from the gentleman in NY.


whadIwin :lol::lol::lol:

[Dubbya]

whadIwin :lol::lol::lol:

As cool points go, it's usually 10 per correct answer unless otherwise mentioned. They get added up and the closest to 42 wins a brand new(slightly used)Hefty trash bag(or other nearly worthless item) but is held responsible for shipping.

Back on topic, welcome aboard Stereophile subscribers.
I think that you will all find a wealth of information, and some idle chit-chat that's usually good for a laugh.

[Brodirt]

I read Stereophile for more than 10 years. IMHO it became to smug and alienating for its own good. In that I gave it up about 4 years ago, I hope the attitude has left and the quality has returned.

[strat1117]

Sam's article led me to this site as well. The mindset here fits right in with the whole audiophile, perfectionist, purist thing. So far, it seems to me, the wetshaving community is a lot more tolerant of different "camps" than the audio community, so Bravo B&B.

Enjoy!

[Phog Allen]

Sam's article led me to this site as well. The mindset here fits right in with the whole audiophile, perfectionist, purist thing. So far, it seems to me, the wetshaving community is a lot more tolerant of different "camps" than the audio community, so Bravo B&B.

Enjoy!

Hi strat. Almost universally you will find your statments to be quite accurate. We have our share of dustups but they tend to fizzle rather quickly. You will almost always note a more "high road" menality on all the mens shaving forums. This place is treasure trove of grooming knowledge and there are a number of chaps here who have really gone way above and beyond in helping newcomers out. Welcome aboard and do take he plunge. You will probably wind up thinking; "how did I not know about this?".

Regards, Todd

[strat1117]

You will probably wind up thinking; "how did I not know about this?"

Thanks for the welcome Todd. I do indeed wonder how I did not know about this. In part, I blame my father, apparently a Sith Lord, who has used an electric since I can remember. Although I was not completely drawn in by the dark side, I have used Trac II and Edge in a can for most of my adult life. Only now am I beginning to learn the ways of the Jedi, having recently been introduced to DE razors and wetshaving in general . . . .:001_rolle

[Theogenes]

I also cruised by here after reading the article in Stereophile and have consciously adopted this as a new hobby so I could stop hemorrhaging cash on audio gear... So far this place has been great!! I belong to several audio forums, at least one of which is famously friendly to newcomers with questions, and this place even beats that one out for a genuinely helpful, friendly environment!! Now I can let my wildly OCD nature go bananas and not have to blow my down payment on a house... again. :blushing:

I've got a decent starter shaving kit going now, and a ton of stuff on the way!! So far this has been a BLAST!! Thanks to everyone for being so helpful and having such an awesome community!!

Now if only I could think about straight razors as often as I think about Piano Black Onix LS9s... :biggrin:

[Phog Allen]

Hello again strat1117 Theogenes. Indeed, welcome to the fold. I will warn you. The ADs come on suddenly, last for months at a time, and like malaria have a habit of recurrence that is not predictable at all. The first thing I would recommend to you is experiment a bit. You will see a lot chaps tell you "it may or may not work for you" about a certain product. Believe them. It is quite easy to get wrapped up in products that have a name that just TUGS at you to buy it. Only to be disappointed at the results. I would really pore over the reviews and do some searches on the site. You will be amazed at the sheer number of products that have been tried, retried, and reviewed here. Some products have scent components that irritate some chap's skin. Others have no problem with the scents but find the soap drying. It really is all very personal and you will find that a good thing. It gives each fellow his own shave kit that is really customised for him and no one else. Savvy? That is your excuse to wife or girlfriend when you drop $30 bucks on a certain shave soap. But, but, honey, this is the one that will really work for me.

One bit of advice I feel okay in giving newbs. I would not chuck that Mach 3 or Quattro or whatever it is you are using now in the dust bin. There is a good reason. As much as I have learned to despise cartridge razors, the reality is, you have been using them for years and understand how they work. I would start out with a quality brush and good lathers. Either soap or soft creams but you may find the creams easier to start with. Then, after you gotten used to lathering with a brush and QUALITY shave lathers, you will be in a much better position to decide if you really want a DE or jump to a straight razor. I would hazard that if you go the str8 forum here you will see some advice to jump right to it rather than transition from a DE. I do both but have some advantage. First, I was originally taught to use a DE. I am nearly 46 and was just young enough when I started having to shave(15) that I was using Dad's old DE. We lost it to a house fire and I then embarked on a 25 year debacle with bad cartridge system after another. I don't even want to think of how much money I put into cartridge refills. My beard destroys them in no time. I now use Feather DE blades but will likely transition to straights as money allows me to assemble a two or three razor rotation. You don't have to have that many but it sure cuts down on sharpening intervals. Do come round and take part. You will find we are a pretty decent lot and most of the time you are going to get some help or at least long winded opinions like mine, pronto.

Regards, Todd

[strat1117]

Thanks Todd. It happens that I have done as you suggested, and you are absolutely right. -- I learned my lathering technique first, before venturing into DE shaving, which has not been as resounding a success for me, at least not yet. I am lucky in that I don't have the toughest beard in the world and I also don't have the most sensitive skin. I think that my issues (as chronicled in my "DE: Am I missing the point" thread) are more that, becasue I don't suffer some of the problems others have had with the multi blades, the switch to DE wasn't absolutely necessary, and I think that my less than stellar results in the beginning were due to at least in part to the fact that I am still using the Merkur blades that I bought together with my 38C. My techniques is improving and my sampler pack arrived today, so I think I will go straight for a Feather tomorrow morning -- or maybe I should try a Derby first?

Decisions, decisions!

[SmoovD]

Nothing wrong with the Feather. They are my favorite blade. Beware that they are sharp and unforgiving. They will not hesitate to slice off any mole or protrusion on your face. Keep notice of your technique- no pressure and proper angle and all will be well. Derby are not nearly as sharp but they are more forgiving. Most blades will have some fans...even Merkurs and APs. It all depends on your skin and your technique.

Best of luck.


Thanks Todd. It happens that I have done as you suggested, and you are absolutely right. -- I learned my lathering technique first, before venturing into DE shaving, which has not been as resounding a success for me, at least not yet. I am lucky in that I don't have the toughest beard in the world and I also don't have the most sensitive skin. I think that my issues (as chronicled in my "DE: Am I missing the point" thread) are more that, becasue I don't suffer some of the problems others have had with the multi blades, the switch to DE wasn't absolutely necessary, and I think that my less than stellar results in the beginning were due to at least in part to the fact that I am still using the Merkur blades that I bought together with my 38C. My techniques is improving and my sampler pack arrived today, so I think I will go straight for a Feather tomorrow morning -- or maybe I should try a Derby first?

Decisions, decisions!

[strat1117]

Nothing wrong with the Feather. They are my favorite blade. Beware that they are sharp and unforgiving. They will not hesitate to slice off any mole or protrusion on your face. Keep notice of your technique- no pressure and proper angle and all will be well. Derby are not nearly as sharp but they are more forgiving. Most blades will have some fans...even Merkurs and APs. It all depends on your skin and your technique.

Best of luck.

Thanks. I went with the Feather and it was a tremendous success. It seems to glide and cut effortlessly, where the Merkur dug and chopped. I am frankly astonished at what a difference the blade made for me. I have 2 shaves with the Feather and both were DFS+, 2 passes, no blood.

:smile::001_smile:w00t:

[strat1117]

I noticed we were (B&B) were featured in this months Stereophile (page 19) and wanted to welcome our new members/readers who are joining us from Stereophile!

Enjoy - and don't be afraid to ask questions!

I have enjoyed and continue to enjoy my time spent with B&B, having first read about it in Stereophile last month. I find myself with three unopened packs of 10 Merkur Super blades, which I will not be using. As a way of saying thanks to B&B, I will send one pack free of charge to each of the first 3 new members who learned about this site from Stereophile, and who have a mailing address in the CONUS. Just send me a PM with your name and mailing address.

Enjoy!

[Phog Allen]

Hey strat. Good call on the Feather. I do have a tough-ish beard and can dull blades pretty quickly. It was one of the things that drove me to search out a better way to shave. When I first got back into DE shaving I was grabbing Shick DE's from Walmart. They don't carry them anymore and I grabbed every single pack I could when they closed them out at $1 apiece. To my mind they are fantastic. MUCH better than the Merkur blades. I had been using the Merkurs for a few weeks when I ran out of Feathers. Big mistake. My shaves went to pot overnight. I grabbed up a 10 pack of my hoarded Schick's and returned to some semblance of bbs. They are still not in the Feather category but are very good. Even though a lot of guys don't recommend the Feather for beginning DE users, I do. The old adage that a sharp knife is safer than a dull one applies here to. I can tell you the INSTANT I started using a Feather was the day everything else got relegated to the back shelf. Well, except possibly the Shick's and only then because the edges were SMOOTH. Like you I find the Merkur's to be like using a weed whip most of the time. The just don't like my beard. Feathers actually made perfecting my DE shaves possible. Some guys find them too sharp. I don't. I can still dull one right out in less than a week sometimes. Another thing I always tell newbs. You can and WILL get a bad DE blade every so often including the Feather brand. It stands to reason when you are dealing with a product that comes off a production line by the hundreds of thousands. So if for some reason you get a couple of bad shaves and can't pinpoint it as some sort of lathering/prep problem, try going to another blade. If that doesn't work, grab one from a different, new pack of the same blades and try it. You would be surprised at times how much they can vary. Hope this helps and way to go on the PIF.

Regards, Todd

[strat1117]

Hi Guys

I am a Stereophile subscriber living in the UK.

I read Sam Tellig's article, and am considering trying out the Merkur 38C, buying a badger brush, and some Trumper's shaving soap.

I am 43 years old, and currently use a Gillette Fusion Power razor with the appropriate blades.

Anyone tried the Merkur 38C? Which blades would work well with it?

Any suggestions/advice would be gratefully received.

Regards
Abadan

Hi Abadan --

I, too, came upon this site via Sam Tellig's article.

I love my 38C. It is large and heavy compared to many others (so am I, at 6'1", 230), but it is perfectly balanced and a pleasure to hold and use (I won't say how I fare in those categories:rolleyes:). The quality of the Merkur 38C is unmatched, and the vintage vibe is spot on. I like it better than any of the actual vintage Gillettes I have been able to snag (thus far), which are very cool in their way, but not nearly competitive with the Merkur as a tool to use instead of a neat item to collect. (That is only IMHO, of course -- others will vehemently disagree with me on this and, as a relative Newbie, I won't argue; that is just my personal experience. The 3 cardinal rules I have learned thus far: 1. YMMV, 2. YMMV, 3. YMMV)

Although seemingly a natural choice for the Merkur razor, the Merkur blades did not work particularly well for me. So far my favorite blades have been the Feathers and the Derbys, and I think you will find that many will agree on these two being among the best. Indeed, although the Derbys are not quite as sharp as the Feathers (some find them "scary sharp", but that was not my experience), I think they are just as smooth if not smoother, and I get just as good a shave with them, without having to be quite as careful not to cut myself. That being said, my beard is not particularly coarse, nor is my skin particularly sensitive. Also, the Derbys can be had at about half the price of the Feathers, although the Feathers are not so expensive that price will be a major consideration. My inclination is to use the Derbys as my everyday, rushing out to work blades, and to save the Feathers for weekends, when I can take the time and give them the "respect" they deserve. You should definitely get one of the many sampler packs which are available, because, more than anything else, I think you will find that the "best blade for you" is a matter of personal taste, combined with your technique, your beard, your skin and, perhaps, you choice of lubrication. (See Rule #1 above.)

My real advice to you is to make certain that you start with high quality equipment that you will enjoy using. This whole wetshaving endeavor is as much about the experience as it is the result. Otherwise, there would be no reason to stop using your Fusion power and the can of Edge. It took me a month or more to figure out what was so great about the DE part of the experience (the beauty of using a badger brush and glycerine/bentonite soap to make my own lather and apply it to my face was immediately apparent to me), and it wasn't until I had my first shave with a Feather that I realized the potential of DE shaving, and just what I had been missing with the multiblade razors I had used in the past.

Most importantly, I got there with the constant encouragement and trustworthy advice from the other, more experienced gentlemen who participate in this forum. You will find that, unlike most of the audio fora in which I have participated, you don't have a bunch of opinionated snobs, touting their opinions as gospel. B&B feels much more like a community of like-minded individuals who enjoy the art of wetshaving in all its various forms, all of whom seem to be happy to share their objective experiences, without hidden agendas, preconceived notions or axes to grind. I have yet to run into even a hint of the self-righteous sanctimony which, sadly, runs so rampant through the audio community.

Anyway, enough soapboxing for today.

Welcome to B&B, and enjoy!

[Phog Allen]

Hi Abadan --

I, too, came upon this site via Sam Tellig's article.

I love my 38C. It is large and heavy compared to many others (so am I, at 6'1", 230), but it is perfectly balanced and a pleasure to hold and use (I won't say how I fare in those categories:rolleyes:). The quality of the Merkur 38C is unmatched, and the vintage vibe is spot on. I like it better than any of the actual vintage Gillettes I have been able to snag (thus far), which are very cool in their way, but not nearly competitive with the Merkur as a tool to use instead of a neat item to collect. (That is only IMHO, of course -- others will vehemently disagree with me on this and, as a relative Newbie, I won't argue; that is just my personal experience. The 3 cardinal rules I have learned thus far: 1. YMMV, 2. YMMV, 3. YMMV)

Although seemingly a natural choice for the Merkur razor, the Merkur blades did not work particularly well for me. So far my favorite blades have been the Feathers and the Derbys, and I think you will find that many will agree on these two being among the best. Indeed, although the Derbys are not quite as sharp as the Feathers (some find them "scary sharp", but that was not my experience), I think they are just as smooth if not smoother, and I get just as good a shave with them, without having to be quite as careful not to cut myself. That being said, my beard is not particularly coarse, nor is my skin particularly sensitive. Also, the Derbys can be had at about half the price of the Feathers, although the Feathers are not so expensive that price will be a major consideration. My inclination is to use the Derbys as my everyday, rushing out to work blades, and to save the Feathers for weekends, when I can take the time and give them the "respect" they deserve. You should definitely get one of the many sampler packs which are available, because, more than anything else, I think you will find that the "best blade for you" is a matter of personal taste, combined with your technique, your beard, your skin and, perhaps, you choice of lubrication. (See Rule #1 above.)

My real advice to you is to make certain that you start with high quality equipment that you will enjoy using. This whole wetshaving endeavor is as much about the experience as it is the result. Otherwise, there would be no reason to stop using your Fusion power and the can of Edge. It took me a month or more to figure out what was so great about the DE part of the experience (the beauty of using a badger brush and glycerine/bentonite soap to make my own lather and apply it to my face was immediately apparent to me), and it wasn't until I had my first shave with a Feather that I realized the potential of DE shaving, and just what I had been missing with the multiblade razors I had used in the past.

Most importantly, I got there with the constant encouragement and trustworthy advice from the other, more experienced gentlemen who participate in this forum. You will find that, unlike most of the audio fora in which I have participated, you don't have a bunch of opinionated snobs, touting their opinions as gospel. B&B feels much more like a community of like-minded individuals who enjoy the art of wetshaving in all its various forms, all of whom seem to be happy to share their objective experiences, without hidden agendas, preconceived notions or axes to grind. I have yet to run into even a hint of the self-righteous sanctimony which, sadly, runs so rampant through the audio community.

Anyway, enough soapboxing for today.

Welcome to B&B, and enjoy!

Sage advice this Padawan gives. Strong in the Force will he become.

Regards,Todd

[immolatus]

I, too, came as reference from the Stereophile article. I've been enjoying my journey through wetshaving with the straight razor in the last couple weeks and slowly learning and improving my technique. Its been quite a trip so far!

[abadan]

Hi All

I have bitten the bullet, and ordered a Merkur 38C razor, along with a bowl of Tabac shaving soap.

The razor comes with one Merkur blade, and the retailer I bought it from - Shaving Shack in the UK - throws in 30 free Israeli blades. I think that's enough to be starting with.

My question was regarding shaving brushes. In a week or two I plan to visit one the Trumpers stores in London, to buy a wooden bowl of their soap, and a badger brush. I might even book myself in for a shave with one of their barbers. Does anyone have experience of their brushes?

Can anyone advise on which brush (not necessarily from trumpers) would be suitable for use with shaving soap?

My understanding was, as I am going to use soap as oppossed to cream, the brush should not be too floppy. Besides Trumpers, I was looking at brands like Vulfix (I believe Trumpers brushes are made by Vulfix) and Kent.

Thanks
Abadan

[gcurtis]

... I didn't see this sooner. I (and B&B) can thank Sam Tellig for finding my way here. Reading his article made DE shaving sound so damn good I couldn't resist giving it a try. Especially after years of disdain in principle paying the ridiculous price big Gs wants for replacement blades.
Picked up the 38C and Proraso in the green tub per Sam's suggestion, and I've been on my way to DE nirvana ever since.
Sam definitely helped inject some "stimulus" into the DE industry. :smile:

[Ichinichi]

Worlds collide!