Three Months of Wetshaving

**Sterling Cooper** · 09-30-2009, 12:29 PM

OK, so I've been lurking for about three months and learning a lot from the threads here. Now, I think it's time to take part in the forum. Here's my story so far.

I picked up three old razors at a local antique store, which according to this website are a 40s Superspeed, a Gillette New with the straight thick handle and a single edge Gem razor (not sure what particular model). I cleaned and sanitized all three but have only been using the Superspeed so far.

Next stop was to Michigan Avenue. I picked up some Truefitt and Hill cream and aftershave balm along with a badger brush, then bought some L'Occitaine Cade shave soap and aftershave splash downstairs.

The Merkur blades at Truefitt seemed pretty expensive $5 for 5, so I took the website's advice and bought the Red Israeli blades from West Coast Shaving. So far, that's the only blade that I've used.

That's been it so far. I alternate between the Truefitt and L'Occitaine. My shaves were very good from the beginning and have only gotten better. Thinking about trying a couple of additional creams or soaps and have been reading through those forums and reviews lately. Would love to try a vintage puck of old spice soap but I'm not certain whether it's worth what people seem to be paying on ebay.

So a couple of questions.

After 3 months, is it ok to start trying the other razors? Will the Gem be markedly different and what are recommended blades for it?

What is the must have soap/cream? I took a couple of samples home from Truefitt and am really liking their rose cream. Wasn't too crazy about the 1805.

**dpmtherrien** · 09-30-2009, 12:51 PM

I've never been one to jump at a "must have" cream or soap. I'm a firm believer in using what works best for myself. If its one of the "must have" products, then so be it. I think one has to try something out to see if its a "must have" for them. As for using another razor, I'd say go for it. After 3 months your technique should be pretty good, so go for it. Good luck, and remember, use whatever is best for you and don't use any pressure when you shave.

**Maduro** · 09-30-2009, 01:03 PM

In regards to trying other razors I think you should just keep in mind that the two Gillettes you use are mild shavers (I have and use both models with the fat handled Tech my go to razor) and most any currently manufactured models will be more aggressive.

I find the Israeli Personnas to be great in the newer more aggressive razors ie. Merkur, Muhle and Parkers.

Good luck and you may want to try an open comb razor if you have a heavy beard or for those times when you haven't shaved in several days.

**Hughies_online** · 09-30-2009, 01:30 PM

Welcome to B&B! I'd try some derby blades first until you get accustomed to everything.

**Gruder** · 09-30-2009, 04:06 PM

Welcome to B&B! Thanks for delurkifying. I'm not a Gem shaver, so I'll leave that to those guys. +1 on trying whatever appeals in the soap/cream department, but if I must make a recommendation...tabac.

**DSB** · 09-30-2009, 06:46 PM

Welcome to B&B. I would try Tabac, Talylor's, and/or DR Harris.

**michiganlover** · 09-30-2009, 07:22 PM

I am a Gem shaver, and apparently the first one of us to answer:

The Gem Single Edge does shave a bit differently than a Double Edge. The main difference, is that the blade is thicker, and not flexible. Being a Single Edge razor, the angle with which you hold the razor is also different.

In my opinion, they provide a wonderful shave (that might even be superior to a DE razor), but they are also less forgiving, and as such you need to treat the razor with the utmost of respect. It can, and will bit you if you get sloppy, and stop paying attention.

The best locally available blades are the Gem Single Edge blades available at Wal-Greens. The Ted Pella blades are also very good, but I don't know of a supplier currently for smaller amounts.

In my opinion the "must have product" of which no shaving den is complete without is Proraso/ C.O. Bigelow Shaving Cream. That stuff is awesome!!

**rm71** · 09-30-2009, 07:59 PM

Welcome. Some must haves are;

Cream: JM Fraser, Proraso, TOBS, Godrej,WARS

Soap: Tabac, Col Conk

**Topgumby** · 09-30-2009, 11:03 PM

Good to have you posting here!

Three months with the same basic combo is an excellent way to start. I got excited about all the options and bounced all over with new razors, blades, soaps and creams. It worked out OK, but had done what you have I think I would have developed solid technique faster.

I'd nominate Tabac as a soap you should try, and if you are interested in getting some vintage Old Spice soap, the Indian Old Spice cream is a good performer with the vintage Old Spice scent.

You've been focused for awhile, I say indulge a whim or two. Or three or four.

**vitaman** · 09-30-2009, 11:24 PM

Welcome to B&B!! Sounds like you are off to a good start!!

**taffy** · 10-01-2009, 02:18 AM

Welcome, sounds your know what your doing and if you feel like a change of razor, go for it as its all part of the learning experiance, as for creams, well thats your chioce what works for 1 wont work for another in both shave and scent!

**SRock** · 10-01-2009, 03:20 AM

Originally Posted by Sterling Cooper

OK, so I've been lurking for about three months and learning a lot from the threads here...

Welcome to B&B! Excellent first post. Sounds like you are off to a great start.

To answer your questions:

1.) Once you feel your technique is sound and you are getting quality shaves there is absolutely nothing wrong with trying new razors. Yes, shaving with the GEM will be markedly different than a DE but GEM and other SE razors offer outstanding shaves.

2.) Must have soap or cream is really a matter of personal opinion. Personally I prefer tallow based soaps over any other soaps and all creams. However, I do own several non-tallow based (typically glycerin based) soaps and many creams. All you can do is try and experiment until you know exactly what you enjoy the most and what works best for you.

Keep us posted!