Oldie, but a Newbie!

**wilsondude** · 12-28-2009, 10:12 AM

Just wanted to say "Hello" to you all. After shaving? w/ a Norelco for many years, I got tired of the poor shave, and decided to go back to a wet shave. Several weeks ago, I bought a can-o-foam and some Mach 3 razors; much, much better! So, for XMas my kids bought be a Merkur DE Safety razor set. I have struggled for the last couple of days to get a good shave, but am looking forward to learning from the pros here!! I'll get myself acquainted with the forums this week, and see what I can learn. My name is Mark, and I am a retired/re-hired high school English teacher. My wife and I live in Salt Lake City, and have four sons-two who are married.

**Dustinl** · 12-28-2009, 10:14 AM

Hey Mark!

Welcome to Badger & Blade! Congratulations on switching to wet-shaving. In no time you'll have a solid technique down and be a pro yourself.

DL

**curtis909** · 12-28-2009, 10:28 AM

Welcome back to the land of wet shaving.

**njpaddy** · 12-28-2009, 10:32 AM

Welcome. I'm an oldie but fairly new to wetshaving too. If you haven't already done it, ditch the can of foam. Lathering may very well be the most important part of shaving with a DE. Check out the tutorials on this site and don't get discouraged if the shaves in the beginning are not that great. It just takes a little getting used to. If you have any questions, just ask. The guys here are very helpful.

**Spivey** · 12-28-2009, 10:38 AM

Welcome to B&B!

**JPM** · 12-28-2009, 10:43 AM

Welcome to B&B!

**Luc** · 12-28-2009, 12:06 PM

Welcome to B&B Mark!

**htownmmm** · 12-28-2009, 12:33 PM

Welcome to B&B Mark!

As mentioned b4, the can o foam and the DE probably aren't the best combo. Your face needs protection, cushion, and glide which foam does not provide. You need a shave soap or cream(easily found in the shopping area) to go with your set.

marty

**NickCutlip** · 12-28-2009, 02:07 PM

Welcome to B&B !!

I found the Youtube tutorials by mantic59 to be very informative, they helped me tremendously when I was starting out. He's also a member of this forum.

**rm71** · 12-28-2009, 02:20 PM

Welcome. Glad you found us.

**wilsondude** · 12-28-2009, 03:40 PM

I've used the mug and Col. Conk soap that my sons gave me, but realized(after reading here!) that the mug should be used for getting the soap to lather. I just set the soap in the bottom of the mug and used it to both gather and lather the soap - so much to learn!! The good news is that I'm pretty persistent, so I should get better.....

**warlandsboy** · 12-28-2009, 03:58 PM

Welcome to B&B!

**eddie13231** · 12-28-2009, 11:08 PM

Welcome to B&B!

**moonshine44** · 12-28-2009, 11:25 PM

Welcome! Soon it won't be a struggle, it'll be a joy! Sounds like you've got the right equipment for a good start...

**michiganlover** · 12-29-2009, 03:35 AM

Originally Posted by wilsondude

I've used the mug and Col. Conk soap that my sons gave me, but realized(after reading here!) that the mug should be used for getting the soap to lather. I just set the soap in the bottom of the mug and used it to both gather and lather the soap - so much to learn!! The good news is that I'm pretty persistent, so I should get better.....

Actually, that mug may not be the best option for building lather. Many mugs are too deep, and not wide enough to serve as an adequate vessel for building lather. Try a fairly deep cereal bowl, with gently sloping sides instead, your results will likely be superior.

Use the mug just for holding the puck of soap; load the brush, and then move to the cereal bowl to build your lather.