Hello B&B!
I had to finally join the forum after learning so much from just reading what I could find here and wanted to say, "Thanks!". The information I have found I believe has helped me get off on the right path toward successfully transitioning to DE shaving.
My previous frustration at the cost of multi-blade cartridges led me to just buy a bulk pack of disposables at Costco and make them last the year. That experience can get the job done, but I finally wanted more than just to get through the daily chore of shaving.
I don't know how I finally was directed to DE shaving, but here I am. After reading all of the great tutorials here and elsewhere, I tried to balance the cost of getting started without spending too much. I also wanted a decent place to start so I wouldn't immediately give up. So, here is what I have started with and am now about 2 weeks into DE shaving:
Weishi TTO razor with gunmetal finish - love the finish and the handle design
Frank Shaving Brush and stand - basic model with Rosewood finish
Col. Conk Apothecary Mug and soap - wanted to have the old world feel when shaving
Assortment of blades
I'll keep it short with my initial thoughts and what I've learned. I am first having to learn to break old habits. I was used to short strokes going over the area I just shaved immediately when using a disposable or multi-blade razor. I have to remember to use longer strokes and not to go over the same area multiple times. I need to wait until the second pass after lathering again and let the technique work as intended.
To go against the grain or not to go against the grain? Ok, so I've seen a tutorial by the owner of The Gentlemen's Shop in the UK who advises not to go against the grain on the neck area. I've tried that, but I have read where most on the forum seem to go ATG on the second pass on the neck area. Maybe this is personal preference or if one is prone to ingrown hairs. I know that when I go ATG, that the next day my hair growth isn't as exposed (for obvious reasons) and it can result in additional razor burn. Not going ATG allows for more growth so that the next morning there is more for the razor to grab on to. I'm still experimenting with this.
Overall, I am getting good shaves, but still learning how to keep my technique consistent so that I avoid those missed patches and do a better job at the tricky areas around the chin and mouth.
Well, I thought I would be short and to the point.
I had to finally join the forum after learning so much from just reading what I could find here and wanted to say, "Thanks!". The information I have found I believe has helped me get off on the right path toward successfully transitioning to DE shaving.
My previous frustration at the cost of multi-blade cartridges led me to just buy a bulk pack of disposables at Costco and make them last the year. That experience can get the job done, but I finally wanted more than just to get through the daily chore of shaving.
I don't know how I finally was directed to DE shaving, but here I am. After reading all of the great tutorials here and elsewhere, I tried to balance the cost of getting started without spending too much. I also wanted a decent place to start so I wouldn't immediately give up. So, here is what I have started with and am now about 2 weeks into DE shaving:
Weishi TTO razor with gunmetal finish - love the finish and the handle design
Frank Shaving Brush and stand - basic model with Rosewood finish
Col. Conk Apothecary Mug and soap - wanted to have the old world feel when shaving
Assortment of blades
I'll keep it short with my initial thoughts and what I've learned. I am first having to learn to break old habits. I was used to short strokes going over the area I just shaved immediately when using a disposable or multi-blade razor. I have to remember to use longer strokes and not to go over the same area multiple times. I need to wait until the second pass after lathering again and let the technique work as intended.
To go against the grain or not to go against the grain? Ok, so I've seen a tutorial by the owner of The Gentlemen's Shop in the UK who advises not to go against the grain on the neck area. I've tried that, but I have read where most on the forum seem to go ATG on the second pass on the neck area. Maybe this is personal preference or if one is prone to ingrown hairs. I know that when I go ATG, that the next day my hair growth isn't as exposed (for obvious reasons) and it can result in additional razor burn. Not going ATG allows for more growth so that the next morning there is more for the razor to grab on to. I'm still experimenting with this.
Overall, I am getting good shaves, but still learning how to keep my technique consistent so that I avoid those missed patches and do a better job at the tricky areas around the chin and mouth.
Well, I thought I would be short and to the point.
