<![CDATA[Badger & Blade - Shave Clinic & Newbie Check-In]]> http://badgerandblade.com/vb/ en Wed, 22 May 2013 21:47:38 GMT vBulletin 60 http://badgerandblade.com/vb/images/styles/RoyalFlush/misc/rss.png <![CDATA[Badger & Blade - Shave Clinic & Newbie Check-In]]> http://badgerandblade.com/vb/ Are the top of most 3 piece razors the same? http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/347522-Are-the-top-of-most-3-piece-razors-the-same?goto=newpost Wed, 22 May 2013 21:11:35 GMT I've been wet shaving for about a month now, I have a Merkur 20c, it's a nice 3 piece. Anyway I've been to elite razor and Ikon and they say that their poles will fit most 3 piece razors. So my question is, are the tops/heads of most Merkurs the same? Like is the 20c and 33c alike except for the pole?
Obviously I know open combs are different but are most razors alike except for the poll? ]]> Charms434 http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/347522-Are-the-top-of-most-3-piece-razors-the-same Hello from Glasgow Scotland. http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/347512-Hello-from-Glasgow-Scotland?goto=newpost Wed, 22 May 2013 19:37:11 GMT Just thought i'd say hello as i have just started to get into de and straight razor shaving , and i am so glad that i did , as it has made me look forward to rather than dread the art of shaving .:biggrin1: ]]> Bish http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/347512-Hello-from-Glasgow-Scotland My first badger brush! http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/347506-My-first-badger-brush!?goto=newpost Wed, 22 May 2013 18:54:14 GMT Got my first badger brush in the mail just now - a Vulfix black badger with faux ivory handle http://www.fendrihan.com/vulfix-pure-black-badger-shaving-brush-faux-ivory-handle-p-1225.html). I was wondering what kind of prep I needed to get this brush ready for my shave. My other brush is boar... Got my first badger brush in the mail just now - a Vulfix black badger with faux ivory handle http://www.fendrihan.com/vulfix-pure...le-p-1225.html).

I was wondering what kind of prep I needed to get this brush ready for my shave. My other brush is boar hair, and as such I had to prep it such that it would lose its distinctive... aroma... Though this brush doesn't smell, I want to make sure I get a good shave out of it.

Thanks fior the advice! ]]> Tyrnagog http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/347506-My-first-badger-brush! Newbie: First DE Shave Report http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/347492-Newbie-First-DE-Shave-Report?goto=newpost Wed, 22 May 2013 17:38:33 GMT Hello,

I've already been posting, reading, and gaining excellent advice for a couple of weeks, but my first DE shave had to wait as it took me a little while to decide on my first kit. After ordering and receiving the Vintage Gillette Starter Kit from Garry's Sample Shop and growing my beard out to map the grain, I finally took the plunge this morning.

Here's a picture of my grain map and starter kit:

whiskars.jpg img20130520175034.jpg

For my first shave, I used the following from the kit:

Razor: Vintage Gillette Ball-End Tech, ca. 1950
Blade: Lord Platinum
Brush: Omega Banded Boar (I think it's a 13522)
Soap: Cella (from the block)
A/S: Agua Lavanda


Lather: I cleaned and prepped my brush last night and in doing so had built a couple of practice lathers at that time. This morning I followed the bowl lathering tips from the shavewiki and think I had too much water on the Cella while charging my brush since instead of becoming a 'dry' clumpy paste and feeling the drag on the brush, the puck became sudsy and started building its own lather. I transferred what I had on the brush into the bowl and allowed the puck to dry a bit before finishing the charge. Once in the bowl, it was just a matter of stir, dip the bristles in a bit of water, stir, repeat. I ended up with a pretty decent lather (not exactly Cool Whip, but decent) which only improved as I applied it to my face. I probably had enough lather for four or five complete passes.

Prep: Just a few warm water splashes on the face and neck. I know many will recommend more attention here, but this is all I've ever done, so I wanted to kind of start from 'square one'. I'm open to suggestions!

Applying Lather: I started with circular motions all over the face and neck, and was a little dismayed when the lather didn't build as much as I'd hoped. I then switched to painting strokes and was pleasantly surprised when the lather thickened up and became more of what I'd expected.

The Shave: I completed three passes, one WTG and two XTG, with some touch-up at the end along the jawline and neck. The first pass was a little nerve-wracking as I had to get used to the foreign feeling of a new razor while concentrating on blade angle, not exerting pressure, beard reduction, etc. I was able to relax after a few strokes and eventually finished the pass without incident. I then reapplied more lather WITHOUT re-wetting my face, which I soon realized was a mistake as the lather began to dry on my face, resulting in a less-than-optimal first XTG pass, and a few cuts on my neck near the Adam's Apple. I wet my face, reapplied lather, and the second XTG and touch-up passes went much more smoothly and produced no additional blood.

Afterglow: I splashed some cold water on my face a few times and towel-dried. I then, rather timidly, applied some Agua Lavanda and waited for the pain...which, much to my relief, was minimal at best. I found that if I kept my hands moving and rapidly patting my face, there was barely even a noticeable sting. At this point my cuts weren't even noticeable in the mirror. I let the aftershave set for about five minutes and then applied a small dab of Cetaphil sensitive skin lotion all over the face and neck.

Result: A shave that is at least as close as what I'd been getting from canned foam and cartridges, but so much more enjoyable. My total shave time was just under 20 minutes, which is important since I shave in the morning before work. I can tell that under my jaw-line and my neck are going to be problem areas in terms of getting a close shave, but I think that's pretty common. I noticed just the slightest bit of irritation on my neck about an hour after my shave, but it subsided shortly after and should be a non-issue as my technique improves and if I use more lotion post-shave. I'm also planning to pick up a bottle of Witch Hazel on my way home tonight.

Thoughts: I thoroughly enjoyed what was once a mundane task. I always shaved every-other-day because I could get away with it and I hated shaving. Now I'm already planning tomorrow's shave! The big surprise for me was the Agua Lavanda aftershave. It was my first time using an AS with alcohol in it, and I expected far worse. The scent was also a pleasant surprise. My only experience with lavender had been the purple candles, of which I am not a fan. This was equal parts clean, old-fashioned, and modern and I really like it. Applying the lather with a brush was also a great feeling...stimulating and therapeutic.


Okay, I'm hooked. Seriously. I can see now why people have the room-sized shave dens and mountains of soaps/creams/etc. My primary reason for going the DE route was, and still is, the cost savings over cartridges; but I can already feel the early symptoms of soap/cream and aftershave AD kicking in. I don't think the razor or brush AD will be a factor as I am happy with both of them, but I'm already wondering how different soaps compare to the Cella, and how tubed creams compare to soaps, and wanting different ASs for variety, etc.

Thanks,


sleepy
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]]> sleepyEDB http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/347492-Newbie-First-DE-Shave-Report Newbie. first DE shave this morning http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/347485-Newbie-first-DE-shave-this-morning?goto=newpost Wed, 22 May 2013 16:54:51 GMT I've been lurking and learning for a little while. This morning I used my newly acquired DE89L for the first time. I didn't have proper soap or cream yet, but I used it with Trader Joe's Mango cream.

The results are encouraging. No blood was spilled, and while my shave could be smoother, no doubt due to my crappy technique, it was still smoother than I usually get with the electric I've been using. Looking forward to improving my technique and getting some better cream (guess which threads I'm browsing now on the forum!). :blush: ]]> DesertJake http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/347485-Newbie-first-DE-shave-this-morning Razor/Blade Combination epiphany! http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/347478-Razor-Blade-Combination-epiphany!?goto=newpost Wed, 22 May 2013 16:20:18 GMT Since I've only been wetshaving a few weeks now, I had trouble understanding how using different blades in different razors could cause such different experiences. I had just been trying my EJ DE89 with Feathers, Astra SPs, Derbys, and Sharks, and had had insane tugging and irritation with the Astras. I swore off of them, but recently won a Gillette Red Tip off the Bay and decided to try one of my last Astras in it...Close, irritation-free, and very easy shave!! :laugh: I even managed to go ATG, something I never thought I could do because I would get instant pain with the DE89. Sort of makes me want to throw a quick spreadsheet together of razor/blade combinations to remember which combos work best, and maybe how many shaves I tend to get from each blade. But now...I really want to get more vintage Gillettes...and razor sampler packs...MWF??!...trip to Pasteur??

SOMEONE SAVE ME

:scared: $___$ ]]> ubiquitous http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/347478-Razor-Blade-Combination-epiphany! Merkur DE razor comparison http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/347464-Merkur-DE-razor-comparison?goto=newpost Wed, 22 May 2013 15:10:18 GMT I'm new to B&B but have been lurking for some time. I'm still using a fusion but had my first shave with a proper shave brush and soap this morning. It was great!!! I'm now looking to get my first DE. I'm leaning towards a Merkur but I'm a bit confused by all the models; some with long handles, some with open combs, some with 3 piece heads.

Can someone point me to a comparison of the various Merkur models? I'm thinking of the 34 HD model since it's the most recommended on here but was curious about the longer handled version of it. I'm not concerned about the plating issue since I'll probably upgrade in a few years anyway. Also, what is the difference performance wise of the 2 vs 3 piece design?

Thanks. ]]> Ottawa http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/347464-Merkur-DE-razor-comparison My top 10 General Lathering Tips http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/347454-My-top-10-General-Lathering-Tips?goto=newpost Wed, 22 May 2013 14:04:55 GMT I do not post in here much, but realize that I was in here often when I first started looking for advise and tips too so am trying to put this together for anyone having issues making lather.

Here are some of my "General" lathering tips that I have picked up over the last couple of years from other members, videos, pictures, posts, PM's and practice.

My Top 10 Lather Tips

1) USE MORE PRODUCT - I can't stress this enough. Don't get caught up in the "I can make lather with 5 swirls or in 10 sec" hype. Load you brush until it looks like there is enough product in it, then load it up even more. If you are scooping a cream, scoop more then you think you need. If you are lathering on a puck, load more then you think. You can always buy more soap/cream, you can't take back a bad shave. Remember, it's not a race. You choose DE shaving to enjoy it and relax, it's not speed shaving. You will know the lather is ready when you see it, not by counting or timing yourself.

2) FACE LATHER - It is much easier to tell the consistency of a product if you face lather it. I find it also helps the "too much water" issue. If you face lather with a too wet brush, the water will run off your face instead of staying in the bowl and making lather soup which ultimately results in weak, runny lather or scrapping it all together.

3) DON'T BRUSH MASH - Don't mash your brush during the soap application phase or when applying to your face. Gentle pressure is all that is needed for both processes, you don't need to touch the puck or your face to the base of the knot. It picks up product better this way and will not give you brush burn when you are applying to your face with gently pressure. I find when applying to my face, circular strokes to start off and get the lather all over my face, then paint/slapping strokes to thicken it up to how I like it.

4) USE LESS WATER - Whether bowl lathering of face lathering, start with a drier brush in general. This is not to say that I use a drier brush for all my product, but until you have a soap/cream dialled in, it is easier to add water then take away. I always soak my brush in hot water when in the shower, then give it a gentle squeeze at the base of the knot to get the majority of the water out, but still leaves the bristles and ends damp. Dipping the brush during the lather process is a simple process to add water to your lather or dropping a bit in with your finger tips. You can always add water but it's impossible to take it away.

5) GO BACK TO THE PUCK - If you are using a soap, or cream for that matter, there is absolutely no harm in reapplying soap for pass 2 or 3 or both if your lather is getting a bit thin. Until you get the lather process down, you may need to swirl a few times for subsequent passes so don't feel bad if you are going back to your soap/cream for each pass.

6) TRY A SHAVE STICK - Shave sticks are lather making machines and great for distributing the lather all over your face. If you don't have a stick but use a puck, pick up the puck and rub it all over your face and neck then face lather it. This aids in getting raw product all over your shaving area and the damp brush will distribute it when you lather it. If you find the soap is clogging up your razor or you are seeing bits and pieces of unlathered soap on your face, it usually means you did not use enough water or lather long enough.

7) LOAD OVER SOMETHING - If you are using a soap and swirling on the puck, load over a mug or bowl to catch all the drippings. All those drippings will aid in pass 2 and 3 and 4 (if you do that many) so you don't have to go back to the puck for more product. I find if I am using a soap and lathering it, I start by lathering it horizontal then switch to a 45* over my mug/bowl to catch the drippings. I then make sure to get soap into the base of my brush by lathering it almost on the sides of the bristles. Others find lathering the puck upside down with the brush under the soap, aids to get product into the base of the brush bristles. Both ways will work just fine if you decide to try either.

8) USE ROOM TEMP WATER - When in doubt, use warm/room temp water. Often soaps will break down in heat and is the cause of "evaporating lather" on your face or in your bowl/brush. Experiment and see if the product is "heat friendly", as some are and some aren't. I prefer warm lathe from my bowl or brush scuttle, but some of my favourite product are not "heat friendly", so I just use them with room temp water and they lather up perfectly and do not break down.

9) TEST LATHER - There is no harm in doing some dry runs with a soap/cream to get it right before a shave. I often do a few test lathers with a new product to make sure I don't hack myself up on the first shave and/or have a lather I'm not happy with.

10) DON'T GO FOR A LATHER LOOK - This is #10, but could easily be the #1 piece of advise along with using more product. If it shaves well, that's all that matters. It does not have to look like yogurt, mayo, whipped cream or cool whip. If it works for you, who cares what it looks like or what others say about it.

--------


I did not post any pics or videos, as I don't want my lather to be what anyone strives for. My lather is my lather and you may not like it that way. If it shaves well, that's the main thing.

There are no right or wrong ways to make lather. Lather does not have to look a certain way. Everyone likes lather a difference consistency.

Again, these are just personal things I have picked up and not hard and fast rules and it goes without saying YMMV. ]]> brucered http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/347454-My-top-10-General-Lathering-Tips Good Evening! http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/347409-Good-Evening!?goto=newpost Wed, 22 May 2013 02:54:08 GMT Hello all! Name is Dave (as stated in the HoF). Picked up wet shaving in Iraq (of all places!), and made the rounds of all the other forums (except for SRP and this forum).... B&B was actually blocked by the firewall! Spent a few years just trudging through wetshaving with some VDH and a superspeed, then opted for the 'convenience' of a multi-blade in the shower.

Well, I'm back, baby! Broke out the Aristocrat and started making multiple passes, finished with some Witch Hazel and some Aqua Velva (please see the TSD AS battle of a few years back...), and now I've fallen back in love with a good shave. Hope I can pass along some long-term newbie info, and try not to bore you with the questions!

Dave ]]> sysiphus http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/347409-Good-Evening! Lathering advice http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/347403-Lathering-advice?goto=newpost Wed, 22 May 2013 02:15:40 GMT Hey all. I have a question about lathering. Try as I might, I can never seem to get the thick, pillowy looking lather I see people posting on here all the time. I've read through all the lathering tutorials, and I can't quite figure out what I'm not getting.

Lathering goes as follows. 1. Soak brush, and thin layer of water on soap. 2. Shower 3. Dump water from bowl, squeeze out brush 4. Dump water from soap into bowl, add glycerin and shave cream, more water if needed. 5. Whip vigorously with brush, almost 2 mins.

My lather isn't "bad", but it doesn't seem up to snuff. Any ideas? ]]> Brokenshadow http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/347403-Lathering-advice <![CDATA[G'day from South Australia]]> http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/347402-G-day-from-South-Australia?goto=newpost Wed, 22 May 2013 02:11:09 GMT G'day
About 2 months ago, while going through some old boxes in the garage and I found my grandfathers VALET Auto Strop Razor which he had carried through WW1, I showed it to dad and he gave me his Tech Ball End from 1948 (when he was married) and his I4 Slim adjustable.

So I have put down the Fusion Proglide andpicked up the Merkur HD.

It gives a great shave, but the thing I like best is that I think of my grandfather and dad every time I lather up. :001_smile ]]> Dentwist http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/347402-G-day-from-South-Australia Mowing through 3.5 days growth http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/347397-Mowing-through-3-5-days-growth?goto=newpost Wed, 22 May 2013 01:50:45 GMT Well because of life I was too busy to shave this weekend, and then woke up too late to shave this morning. So tonight I tried to shave three and a half days worth of thick growth. I got a pretty miserable shave. I didn't wind up with any nicks and just a tiny spot of burn but not at all a close shave. What do you guys do when you have a lot of hair to get rid of? Any tips? ]]> Chadly http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/347397-Mowing-through-3-5-days-growth <![CDATA[Howdy Y'all! Just a little shout out from Texas.]]> http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/347381-Howdy-Y-all!-Just-a-little-shout-out-from-Texas?goto=newpost Wed, 22 May 2013 00:03:20 GMT Hello folks,
My name is Karl, although I'm new to the forum I have been enjoying the finer points of the traditional wet shaving revival since 2010 and I haven't looked back since. ]]> koolereye http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/347381-Howdy-Y-all!-Just-a-little-shout-out-from-Texas My Shave Saga http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/347376-My-Shave-Saga?goto=newpost Tue, 21 May 2013 23:22:24 GMT But first: THANKS!!

I've been lurking here for a while, and in fact was doing the same yesterday when I received a PM from Wingnut - "advising" me to come and let myself be known here, and in the hall of fame...(I know, I know - it was a form letter, but hey! I was already thinking about it...). In any case, here I am!

And again - thanks. To everyone here, this has been an absolutely amazing place for info and intel that has greatly helped me as I carry along this interesting journey.

I came here from cartridge land...with a brief excursion into electric (yeah, I know)...was getting tired of irritation on my neck in particular; it seemed to be getting worse, so I started doing research. (Actually, initially, I started shaving way less - like once a week, rather than 5x. Told myself it was cool to have some stubble.) I came across this site, and DE razors, and initially kind of dismissed it out of hand.

Dumb.

I went ahead and purchased a Philips electric rotary "wet-dry" shaver, went through the whole 3 weeks of "training" one's face to this new style (remember, I was coming from 30+ years of cartridge-land initially). I wanted to like it, but bleah. Cut up my face, and my neck was worse. Interesting bit though...because it was wet capable, I picked up a tube of Proraso green locally to try it out. I got a ridiculously smooth shave - actually too smooth...ingrown hair central as a result. But! The Proraso was cool. I liked the idea of it more than the canned goo.

Needless to say, a seed was planted.

I tried the Proraso with one of my Fusion cartridges one day and was frankly blown away by the difference from Edge or whatever it was that I was usually using to protect my face.

That day, I placed an order from the Italian Barber for the RazoRock TTO razor an Omega boar brush and a sample pack of blades, then set about the process of sending my Philips back as it was within their 45 day trial guarantee period.

The next week, I was telling my dad about my new wet shaving odyssey, and he's like, "Hey, I have an old razor around here somewhere if you want it". I ended up early-inheriting a 1960 Q2 Fatboy! Cool. But it has a couple of minor issues I need to take care of before shaving with it in earnest (it had a slightly bent head after bouncing around his drawer(s) over the past few decades, but it's actually a little out of alignment as far as the gap from side to side).

In any case, the transition has been fairly seemless for me, and I seem to have picked up a new hobby. I shave as often as I can - look forward to it - which amounts to about 6x week. Even on the weekends now - more time to spend on the ritual part of it.

Finding I'm partial to Personna Reds, Astra SP's and Gillette SilverBlue's in the TTO. I've acquired (last week) an Edwin Jagger 8911, which I'm still figuring out. It's interesting - I can sense it's a bit of a less agressive razor, but I'm getting closer shaves in the "hard to reach/hard to shave" areas of above the lip and my jawline. Have had a couple of bouts of "pulling" on my first pass with it the last two shaves, but I think it could be my lather.

I'm currently looking forward to checking out some soaps, seeing about getting them to lather, etc. While I'm in this "still pretty new" phase I'll probably keep the Proraso as my go-to when checking new "stuff" out, so as not to change too much at once and not know what's causing what.

All in all though - I'm extremely happy to be shaving this way, extremely happy to have found this site, and really hope to be a positive contributor and member of this community now that my lurking days are officially over! ]]> dixarone http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/347376-My-Shave-Saga DE Coppertop Conversion Atonement Thread http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/347373-DE-Coppertop-Conversion-Atonement-Thread?goto=newpost Tue, 21 May 2013 23:15:15 GMT So, I have noticed a lot of generosity on the part of the members here, and figured that I could do the same. I cleaned up a gold tone Gillette Tech double edge recently, but was a bit too vigorous when polishing with my Dremel. The result is a razor with a copper top! I polished it more to... So, I have noticed a lot of generosity on the part of the members here, and figured that I could do the same.

I cleaned up a gold tone Gillette Tech double edge recently, but was a bit too vigorous when polishing with my Dremel. The result is a razor with a copper top! I polished it more to increase the copper toppiness of it. Anyhow, if someone who has never tried wet shaving before and is too broke to get started, this bad boy might save em a few bucks.

I will include a variety of DE blades, a soap puck (got several Van der Hagen cheapies and some Proraso sensitive, your call) and an Omega brush, all new so you won't get in contact with any of my 11 herbs and spices (in case that skeeves you out). You report back as to how it's going in a thread on this forum, and don't get discouraged!

Recipient picked at random from people who reply 'I'm in' or similar to this thread. This will occur 1900 EST on This coming Tuesday (or is extended if I get no one). That person is named in the thread, and PMs me the name/address to send to, and I send the box. Recipient pays me nothing but is encouraged to pass the copper top along to a newbie once he has moved on.

I am hoping this will help me to atone for removing the gold finish from the Tech! Will add a photo when I don't have an infant in my lap sleeping.
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]]> Aristeros http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/347373-DE-Coppertop-Conversion-Atonement-Thread