Hi! New to DE, Checking in

**Snood** · 01-07-2010, 03:22 AM

I just thought i'd check in,

I've been "lurking" for a while after i first started researching badger hair brushes a couple of months ago.

I started using a body shop synthetic brush and the body shop shaving cream a year ago, I've been shaving with the various Mach 3 variants since i started shaving. I found using the brush and cream to be much more theraputic and, more importantly, it give a better shave than what i was using before.

A couple of months ago i left my body shop brush at my girlfriend's place (in Sweden, i live in the UK), so i decided to research badger hair brushes. At the time i decided to just buy another cheap body shop one due to financial constraints. While i was researching i also discovered this place and that DEs were being used these days, i was quite supprised to find a whole community of guys using them!

My girlfriend has since bought me an Edwin Jagger pure badger brush (which works soooooo much better than the synthetic i'd been using) for christmas, which has sparked a desire to start using DE razors.

I've just ordered a Merkur 38C (long handle HD) as well as a sample pack of blades and some D.H Harris Arlington shaving soap. I thought i'd try a soap as i've been using the same cream for a year, i can already see various aquisition disorders forming.

Anyway, I've probably been babbling too much. I must say though that it's so refreshing to come across an online community where nobody has anything negative to say to anyone else. There's a real sense of community, comradery and common and interest.

**oldandcrotchety** · 01-07-2010, 03:50 AM

Welcome to the B&B. Let us know how the Merkur works out. I've been thinking of getting one myself, though God knows I don't need another razor. I mostly use my 1941 Gilette Ranger Tech and 1930s open comb (don't remember the exact year right now, but thinking '31 or '38. I started out shaving with a DE back in the 60s when that was all there was, and recently went back to them for the cost advantage of blades over cartridges. I thought I would have a relearning curve, but it was like riding a bike. Just picked up where I left off. No cuts scrapes or rash. My favorite brush is an ancient brass handled one I picked up at a flea market. It was part of a set of razor, brush and stand. Good luck on your new shaving adventure. Fred

**cooltide** · 01-07-2010, 03:59 AM

welcome to the house

**Gruder** · 01-07-2010, 04:23 AM

A warm welcome to B&B. Stick around and post often!

**lvsc10** · 01-07-2010, 05:28 AM

Welcome to the site. Best place to obtain information on all aspects of wet shaving. Looks like you are really gearing up to have one fine shaving kit. Enjoy the experience.
Good luck and keep us posted.

**bulldog** · 01-07-2010, 05:34 AM

Welcome to Badger and Blade. It's nice to have you join.

Nate.

**Oldguy** · 01-07-2010, 06:06 AM

Welcome to B&B. It sounds like you're on the right track. The 38C should do you well. Just make sure you use good blades. The Merkur blades aren't a good choice. I prefer the red pack Personna. Let us know how you make out. And take it slow and easy to start.

Len

**Spivey** · 01-07-2010, 06:26 AM

Welcome to B&B!

**Snood** · 01-07-2010, 06:29 AM

Originally Posted by Oldguy

Just make sure you use good blades. The Merkur blades aren't a good choice. I prefer the red pack Personna.

Thanks Len,

I'll take your advice and start with the red personna, i was thinking of starting with this or the derby extra, trying each one, working to the feather last. The blades i'm getting to start with are:

Astra Superior Platinum
Crystal ‘Super + Platinum’ / ‘Israeli Personna’
Derby Extra
Feather New Hi-Stainless
Gillette 7 o’clock Sharp Edge
Iridium Super Extra Stainless
Personna Platinum Chrome ‘Red Personna’
Wilkinson Economie
Wilkinson Standard

Plus the single Merkur blade which comes with the razor.

**NickCutlip** · 01-07-2010, 06:34 AM

Welcome to B&B !!

**Mr. Scruffy** · 01-07-2010, 06:36 AM

Welcome Snood.

BTW, any woman who gifts you with an EJ brush is worth keeping!!

**Dustinl** · 01-07-2010, 06:58 AM

Snood,

Welcome to Badger & Blade!!!

DL

**gurana** · 01-07-2010, 07:05 AM

Welcome aboard! This post reminds me that I probably should start looking at a new brush in the next few months... perhaps it'll last me another year. I'm starting to get the feeling that it is what is holding my lather down... but who knows.

But definitely post on your experience w/ the 38c. I'm considering getting the short handled HD, and was all set to pull the trigger when my feather portable came in. I was so happy with it, I just decided to wait.