Hi All,
I am a new convert to DE shaving. My experience started a few months back when I ventured into the AOS store in White Plains. I was visiting as I live in Buffalo, NY. I listened to the pitch and decided I would give it a try. I purchased the AOS Sandalwood mini travel pack for $50 and was pleasantly pleased with the initial results. So pleased in fact, that I have since purchased these additional items:
EJ DE 89lbl
EJ Best Badger Medium
Derby Blades
AOS Sandalwood Soap & Teak Bowl (nice stuff but expensive)
EJ Sea Buckthorn Soap (the smell is intoxicating...and seems to work as well as AOS for a lot less)
I now enjoy a unique experience in the morning before work and haven't looked back. The EJ razor is stunning and I really like the way it performs. I will no doubt purchase a vintage Gillette down the road. Since converting, I have only a few nicks to speak of. That only seems to happen on either the 2nd XTG or 3rd ATG pass. I am sure that has to do with angle, pressure and my inexperience.
My only true question at this point concerns Pre-Shave Oil. I have read a number of threads & reviews on pre-shave oil and am still wondering:
1. Is Pre-Shave Oil really necessary? Some use it and some don't. I seem to get a nice lather with both soaps I am currently using.
2. If so, can you provide suggestions on other brands. The AOS stuff is ok, but I am looking to expand my horizons. I am more interested in performance than price. I don't want to spend a ton...but...if it works, I have no problem spending the money now that I am only paying 20 cents/blade.
AOS Update - I was back in the store last week and wanted to engage the sales person in a deeper conversation on their DE Razors and other product (give me a good reason to purchase more gear). It was immediately apparent he wanted to sell, sell, sell. Once I told him I wasn't going to buy anything right then, he walked away. The guy was rude and when the conversation turned toward using a DE razor he gave me a look like....Are you serious? Not to mention, I think I know more about DE shaving after three months of reading B&B posts that the guy working at the store. Nice stuff...bad customer service. Not sure I will be spending anymore money with them.
I am a new convert to DE shaving. My experience started a few months back when I ventured into the AOS store in White Plains. I was visiting as I live in Buffalo, NY. I listened to the pitch and decided I would give it a try. I purchased the AOS Sandalwood mini travel pack for $50 and was pleasantly pleased with the initial results. So pleased in fact, that I have since purchased these additional items:
EJ DE 89lbl
EJ Best Badger Medium
Derby Blades
AOS Sandalwood Soap & Teak Bowl (nice stuff but expensive)
EJ Sea Buckthorn Soap (the smell is intoxicating...and seems to work as well as AOS for a lot less)
I now enjoy a unique experience in the morning before work and haven't looked back. The EJ razor is stunning and I really like the way it performs. I will no doubt purchase a vintage Gillette down the road. Since converting, I have only a few nicks to speak of. That only seems to happen on either the 2nd XTG or 3rd ATG pass. I am sure that has to do with angle, pressure and my inexperience.
My only true question at this point concerns Pre-Shave Oil. I have read a number of threads & reviews on pre-shave oil and am still wondering:
1. Is Pre-Shave Oil really necessary? Some use it and some don't. I seem to get a nice lather with both soaps I am currently using.
2. If so, can you provide suggestions on other brands. The AOS stuff is ok, but I am looking to expand my horizons. I am more interested in performance than price. I don't want to spend a ton...but...if it works, I have no problem spending the money now that I am only paying 20 cents/blade.
AOS Update - I was back in the store last week and wanted to engage the sales person in a deeper conversation on their DE Razors and other product (give me a good reason to purchase more gear). It was immediately apparent he wanted to sell, sell, sell. Once I told him I wasn't going to buy anything right then, he walked away. The guy was rude and when the conversation turned toward using a DE razor he gave me a look like....Are you serious? Not to mention, I think I know more about DE shaving after three months of reading B&B posts that the guy working at the store. Nice stuff...bad customer service. Not sure I will be spending anymore money with them.
