3 Months In - An Assessment

**VaHomebrewer** · 11-05-2009, 05:54 PM

So, I've been DE shaving for about 3 months and using a brush and soap for about 6. Here's my assessment:

1) Finally over the last 2 weeks I'm starting to consistantly get DFS-BBS shaves daily with little to no irritation. It feels good to get to this point, and I'm now getting the best shaves of my life. That wasn't true for the first couple months. Don't get discouraged.

2) It takes LOTS of practice to get technique down. This was a big surprise. I thought the learning curve would be shorter.

3) Every minute you spend learning to lather correctly is more than well worth it. Even the most expensive soap is cheap on a per use basis (cheaper than canned goo per use), so don't worry about "wasting" a bit to learn how to lather. You're not really wasting it!

4) Obviously, no pressure really means no pressure.

5) If you're new to DE shaving, don't start with the sharpest, most aggressive blades; work up to them as technique improves.

6) Engrace your ADs. I'm currently suffering from SSAD and RAD even though I have 2 razors en route as well as a passle of soaps which are all due to arrive on my birthday this weekend. I'm now also intrigued by straights. :)

7) Embrace every shave as a learning experience for the first few months; even if you cut yourself to pieces.

**lvsc10** · 11-05-2009, 07:10 PM

Sage advice. One must have patience and take it slow. Congrats on your progress. Remember, it's the journey that give us the greatest satisfaction.

**Boba Fett** · 11-05-2009, 08:07 PM

To me it seems crazy that so many of us it seems started this to save money on shaves, then went and embraced the AD's and spent more than we would have had we kept the cartridges!

Heck, I originally thought "Well the initial investment is high, having to buy a razor and brush and all, but it will get cheap real quick." Now I buy stuff just to try it--fortunately I have liked pretty much everything I have bought.

**Wil Dorenbos** · 11-06-2009, 12:57 AM

Originally Posted by Boba Fett

To me it seems crazy that so many of us it seems started this to save money on shaves, then went and embraced the AD's and spent more than we would have had we kept the cartridges!

Heck, I originally thought "Well the initial investment is high, having to buy a razor and brush and all, but it will get cheap real quick." Now I buy stuff just to try it--fortunately I have liked pretty much everything I have bought.

Sounds familiar

Tho I would have some stuff for "sale"

**thunderball** · 11-06-2009, 01:00 AM

Sounds like pretty good advice to me!

**WhosYerBob** · 11-06-2009, 05:16 AM

Originally Posted by lvsc10

Sage advice. One must have patience and take it slow. Congrats on your progress. Remember, it's the journey that give us the greatest satisfaction.

+1 That's the key - take it slow and easy.

**DJSneak** · 11-06-2009, 07:37 AM

Great advice.

And too true about getting in to this to save money, only ending up buying all of the fantastic stuff that people suggest on here. This board tempts me more than many of my other indulgences.

**Bald_and_Hairy** · 11-06-2009, 09:05 AM

Great advice. I think everyone of us has learned these things in our time.

I don't try to kid my self about switching to wetshaving to save money anymore. It's a hobby to me and I fully embrace it as with any other. Plus there is so much out there to enjoy from razors to wonderful smelling soaps and creams. Just go ahead and admit that it's not for saving money. You might feel better about it, I certainly do.

**mliguori** · 11-06-2009, 09:55 AM

I'd agree with everything OP said.

**VaHomebrewer** · 11-06-2009, 11:21 AM

Originally Posted by Bald_and_Hairy

I don't try to kid my self about switching to wetshaving to save money anymore. It's a hobby to me and I fully embrace it as with any other. Plus there is so much out there to enjoy from razors to wonderful smelling soaps and creams. Just go ahead and admit that it's not for saving money. You might feel better about it, I certainly do.

The way I see it, this is a hobby for most or all of us. Hobbies are supposed to be fun and enjoyable, so why not experiment with different razors/brushes/soaps/creams/AS? None of them are all that expensive (except the really outrageous brushes) for what you get.

That leads me to another observation - don't start experimenting heavily unless you have a decent technique down pat.