Hello from the UK, a newbies tale

**GJI** · 04-05-2010, 04:43 AM

Hi there,

Another person new to wet shaving. I have been using an electric shaver (sorry) for 25years and I now realise I have been missing out very much. Shaving has always been a huge chore which I disliked (but not so much that I grew a beard). Over the last year or so I started to get a lot of razor burn and my neck was always red, inflamed and felt like it was on fire. I started wet shaving about 10 weeks ago and I can honestly say I will never go back. I positively look forward to including it in the morning pre-work routine.

I found this forum by chance and the advice hidden in the many excellent pages helped me buy my shaving kit. Merkur 34C razor, cheap badger brush, Truefitt & Hill Ultimate Cream, Poraso aftershave cream and a sampler pack of blades (used all the Derby extras and now on the Red Personna's, which I think are slightly more suitable for me as they seem to give a smoother, less irritated shave).

My first shave was interesting. I counted no fewer than 13 bleeding nicks (which took 30 minutes to inflict) and to be honest the end result was as rough as sandpaper). My wife was quite concerned (my shaving towels are now all dark coloured). Still, I stuck with it and I can now shave nick free in about 15 minutes and achieve something way better than an electric has ever done for me. My neck also looks normal (not like raw beef). The best thing of all is I actually enjoy it.

Thank you all for helping me discover, what for me, is the perfect way to shave.

Gareth

**djh** · 04-05-2010, 05:10 AM

A great story and sentiments that are very common here. Thanks for sharing, welcome aboard and good luck with your new shaving routine.

**mrbear** · 04-05-2010, 05:13 AM

Welcome Gareth!

Enjoy your shaves!

**valmara1971** · 04-05-2010, 05:16 AM

Welcome to B&B G form a fellow UK wet shaver.

**Laser** · 04-05-2010, 05:49 AM

Welcome to B&B. It just keeps getting better. Enjoy the journey!

**natchez** · 04-05-2010, 05:54 AM

Gareth,

Your story is not atypical of many who have tried wet shaving with a DE razor. Your skill will increase with time, as will your pleasure. Keep it up and you will indeed never go back.

**galopede** · 04-05-2010, 06:01 AM

Welcome to the board Gareth, from another Brit Gareth! Where are you in the UK?

Gareth

**toeknee** · 04-05-2010, 06:03 AM

Welcome to another UK member

**Trawlerman** · 04-05-2010, 06:19 AM

A warm welcome to you Gareth. I'm a fellow brit and hail from sunny Hull

I'm only a month into my DE shaving and I love it. I used to use a WS Quattro Titanium and to be truthful I hated shaving. It almost without fail always tore my face up and I had to shave every three days or I would be perpetually sore.

Since switching to DE shaving my face is so much better - still as ugly though eh? - and feels smoother and softer. I positively look forward to shaving now and can do so every day with ease and without masses of razor burn.

Just remember the mantra; No pressure, take your time, and prepare properly.

**mattbikes1** · 04-05-2010, 06:23 AM

Welcome to B&B. Glad to hear that you are enjoying the results. Thanks for sharing the details of your story.

**NickCutlip** · 04-05-2010, 08:17 AM

Welcome to B&B !!

**Pumpkin** · 04-05-2010, 08:29 AM

Hi Gareth, welcome to B&B from a fellow Brit!

Sounds like you've made the transition pretty well...it will get even better

**dpmtherrien** · 04-05-2010, 08:30 AM

Welcome to B&B. Enjoy your shaves.

**falkor27** · 04-05-2010, 09:27 AM

Welcome to B&B!

**AJP** · 04-05-2010, 09:32 AM

Welcome mate. Enjoy the ride...

**timj219** · 04-05-2010, 09:37 AM

Welcome from a fellow former redneck. I go all day now without running my finger around the inside of my collar for relief!

**Kilted_Warrior** · 04-05-2010, 11:17 AM

Welcome Gareth from a fellow Brit!

I hail from near "sunny Glasgow" and have only been DE shaving for a month but already enjoying it immensely with my technique improving all the time.

Keep up your good work and enjoy your shaves!

Craig