Checking in

**mmcrrc** · 01-31-2010, 03:24 PM

OK I will try to be brief and to the point.

The best shaves I have had have always come from a Barber's skilled hand and a straight razor. Be it when I was in the Army or otherwise, these guys just know what they are doing; practice, practice, practice.

I am not foolish or patient enough to jump into trying to shave myself with a straight razor. I am however TIRED of crappy shaves from all sorts of razors, I have tried most every type of throw away razor and electric razor, with varying results, none better than just OK.

The course hair of my beard seems to clog every multi-blade type causing them to dull before I even finish a shave. the singles are OK, but leave a lot to be desired as for their closeness and they also dull quite quickly due in part I am sure just to their poor material and design.

The best luck I have had with an electric was with the Braun 360 Complete blade on my 8000 series, but between the cleaner/lube cartridges and the replacement foils these things get pretty expensive over the period of a year. Also the 360 complete foils seem to have disappeared from the market; probably due to the contract ending with Gillette. This set up only lasts about 10 months contrary to the 18 suggested by Braun.

So here I am looking to get into real shaving again; my first shaves long ago were with a DE blade in a Merkur style razor.

I shave at night so I will not be in a hurry, and my desire for a clean shave is my motivation.

I have been reading this and other forums on and off for a week or so and will continue until confidant I can find the right razor to last me many years.

Feel free to post any lessons learned type info or links that may be helpful to lead me to an educated decision.

Thanks

Matt

**texquill** · 01-31-2010, 03:55 PM

Welcome to B&B Matt!

Probably the best place to get helpful suggestions to to watch Mantic's stuff on youtube:

http://Mantic's youtube library

**TheScalpel** · 01-31-2010, 03:58 PM

welcome aboard, and refine that technique for many happy shaves!

**mblakele** · 01-31-2010, 04:20 PM

Welcome!

**Greyfox** · 01-31-2010, 04:21 PM

Welcome and enjoy yourself here.

**NickCutlip** · 01-31-2010, 04:36 PM

Welcome to B&B !!

**DunEdinRanger** · 01-31-2010, 04:39 PM

Welcome to the forum, Matt.

You'll find lots of information here. Feel free to ask as many questions as you want.

**Dustinl** · 01-31-2010, 06:36 PM

Welcome to Badger & Blade, Matt. Sounds like you have come to the right place.

+1 on Mantic's videos.

DL

**stand_1998** · 01-31-2010, 06:51 PM

Originally Posted by texquill

Welcome to B&B Matt!

Probably the best place to get helpful suggestions to to watch Mantic's stuff on youtube:

http://Mantic's youtube library

Good resource of YouTube tutorials... thanks for posting!

Mantic seems to know his stuff, and is able to put some entertainment into the videos!

**grump** · 01-31-2010, 06:55 PM

Welcome to B&B, Matt.

I would suggest a blade sampler pack and a Vintage Gillette Slim or Fat Boy.

That way you can adjust it to see what aggression works best for you.

I have given 2 of these razors out to my brother-in-law and my neighbor for gifts. They are very pleased with them.

Have fun with your shave and feel free to ask as many questions as you need.

**mdunn** · 01-31-2010, 06:59 PM

welcome aboard, mate

**beyman** · 01-31-2010, 08:08 PM

A Merkur HD and a blade sampler pack is a good way to start; the FAQ here on B&B was very helpful to me, as were Mantic's videos on Youtube. Kyle's prep (covered here somewhere) was also very helpful. Once you get it figured out, there's no turning back to those horrible cartridges.

**ShavelockFoams** · 01-31-2010, 08:21 PM

Welcome to B&B!

If you like the straight shave, keep an eye out on the forums for info about single edge (SE) razors. The two major brands are Gem and Everready (which is basically a rebranded Gem).