looking to get started with DE razors

[theagent]

Hi, so, today I was about to order $40 worth of fusion cartridges and thought, if I'm going to be spending that much anyways, why not invest in a better shaving solution.... so I went shopping... here's what I have in my cart so far, just hoping for some opinion of whether I've made decent choices;


Proraso Pre/Post Shaving Cream, Aloe and Green Tea $12.00

Derby Extra Double Edge Razor Blades $1.75

Crystal Double Edge Razor Blades $2.00

Astra Superior Platinum Double Edge Razor Blades $2.00

Edwin Jagger DE89 Double Edge Safety Razor, Chrome $32.00

Proraso Shaving Soap, Aloe and Green Tea $8.50

Ogallala Bay Rum & Sandalwood Shaving Soap $4.75

I may remove the preshave cream... I actually need to be careful with my money right now, but I've also been using a rusty fusion cartridge for the past month, so I need to do something about that.

Thanks for any input.

[theagent]

Knew I forgot something... I'm going for the cheapo Tweazerman badger brush.

[Timbit]

Sounds great, though if you are trying to save cash then a vintage Gillette might be a way to get more bang for your buck. You just need to get yourself a nice brush and you are set for the shave of your life.

[rsaltonstall]

Just as the others said you need a brush, and a classic/vintage razor would really save you money. The EJ razor is great, but if you're trying to save money you should try the BST. I suggest searching for a Gillette Tech or Superspeed. Now this is a completely preference sort of thing: I would not purchase a pre/post cream or pre-shave oil.

[rsaltonstall]

Rather than buying blades separately, you could also get a balde sampler pack from on online vender--Bullgoose, WestCoast, and Shoebox are just three examples.

[theagent]

That's quite a cost on your hands.. Maybe try a BST thread (I've got a sampler for sale that i've already PM'd you about) or a vendors sale.

Gentlements best has one on the cheap!

Check theirs out:
http://gentlemensbest.com/ShavingKits.aspx

Edit: Also, crystals are the same as personnas (israels or reds, I forgot) and that amazon ships from different places so shipping for $2 of blades may be $3, so look for prime/super shipping marked items. Gentlements best set ships for free I believe.

thanks for the info... that starter kit looks pretty good actually at only $24. I do have prime, but this isn't from amazon, it's from West Coast Shaving... shipping is $5. so not bad. I priced most of the same from amazon, but it was more expensive. I may remove the blades and just start with one type of soap. See how it works out. or go with the trial kit you linked which would save me significantly.

[theagent]

yeah, I always get into this project mode with these types of things and end up spending way too much. as for the sample packs, was looking at some... but they were pretty expensive. $10+ which is why I picked 3 for $2 each, and left out the apparently too sharp feathers for another day and saved some money that way. But I'll look into it some more. Aside from the prices though, are these quality items I've picked out?

[muskokabrian]

Perfect razor and proraso is a really great soap to start with, cause it's easy. Personally I like Astra blades and would swap them for one of the others. You can get Astra blades super cheap from http://shop.bestshave.net/ and their shipping charge is zero or very little.

Didn't see a brush in your list. You will definitely need one. My advise is not to go too cheap.

There is a learning curve to this and personally, I think your skin takes a few months of conditioning as well. However, you'll love it. You'll love the feel of your skin once you get away from that canned crud. You'll enjoy getting up and picking a new combination out and look forward to that shave every day.

My personal opinion would be to delete the pre/post. I don't find it softens the beard much and I don't like how it feels leaving it on my face post shave. I sort of wonder about it's merits, really. I think you'd be better off with a bottle of Nivea After shave balm which you can pick up cheap at the local drug store. They also have a cheap shave cream that comes in a tube which I think is very under rated here on B&B.

Lastly, when the RAD's really hit, avoid the peer pressure and stay away from TABAC. Don't believe them... it's horrible stuff. I believe that it's a giant conspiracy around here or perhaps even a hazing ritual of sorts, to get other unsuspecting new to de guys to buy this horrible concoction.

But, down the road, do get yourself a puck or two of some of those nice English soaps and at least one nice lavendar or rose cream for Sundays :)

[theagent]

muskokabrian, lol man, thanks for the heads up on the site conspiracy. and I was really really tempted to buy a Trumper rose soap in a wooden bowl... but couldn't justify the $34, no matter how I tried. Some day if this all works out.

[muskokabrian]

The trumper rose is a nice soap but make sure you like the smell of roses cause it's very strong. My wife likes when I shave with it most but I have to be in the mood for it because sometimes it's just too floral for me. However, having said that you can give me TOBS lavendar any day!

I suggest you peruse The English Shaving Company and sign up for their email list. You can get that Trumpers wooden bowl for $23.00 bucks there and the shipping charge will be pretty close to what West Cost will charge you. However, every couple of months they'll send out a discount code and that will knock off another 10 or 15% so you'll be able to pick it up for about $20 bucks. Be sure to add a refill puck of EJ's sea buckthorn. Great stuff and nice, mild scent.

[Duggo]

Welcome to B&B!

If and when you try soaps. By the puck/cake only. Then find a container that fits.

I found Lock-ups at "The Container Store." I paid $1.29. And they are stackable. Blenhiem Bouquet and D.R. Harris Arlington are in "Lock-ups." 6oz capacity, if I recall correctly. Fits perfectly.

Also, unless you have your technique down pat, don't start out with Feathers. I'd recommend you start out on the mild side and work your way up. You might want to consider starting with a Derby Extra. They work great in my newly acquired 48/49 (No date code) Super Speed.

May I suggest keeping your routine - at this point - simple. Because, if you mix it up, complicate it now, and get redness, on your skin, how will you know if the redness is coming from one of the products you are using? Or is it from bad technique? It won't be easy to find out.

You may also want to consider just doing one pass for a while. See what the other members say.

Don't expect BBS right away. Keep at it. Rinse the razor after every stroke. That might help you break the habit of overshving.

Last, but not least, know your stubble. Know the direction it grows in.

Persevere. The shaves will get better in time.

[Picaro]

If you decide to go with the EJ 89,which is a quality razor, I'd suggest you get the Ej89L. Its only another dollar or so, and the lines on the handle will help with grip.

[Hex]

My personal opinion would be to delete the pre/post. I don't find it softens the beard much and I don't like how it feels leaving it on my face post shave. I sort of wonder about it's merits, really. I think you'd be better off with a bottle of Nivea After shave balm which you can pick up cheap at the local drug store. They also have a cheap shave cream that comes in a tube which I think is very under rated here on B&B.

+1 on substituting Nivea for the pre/post.

The other stuff muskkabrian says is also good, I just wanted to stress this point.

[MilkyLee]

Also CVS has a kit that has a ceramic bowl, puck of VDH soap and a boar brush for $6.99. Get a razor, blade sampler pack from ntguys, witch hazel and some Nivea after shave balm and your set.

[goodtimeshaxor]

I actually started with a 1954 Gillette razor with Feather razor blades. I didn't have a brush, nor did I have an appropriate shaving cream/soap. I used the nasty goop out of the can but it was still twice better than using a modern razor.

Today I have a larger arsenal but am still only using the basics. Same razor, same razor blades, cheap tweezerman badger brush, and non-scented kiss my face cream.

How much did all this cost me?
Razor: $3
Blades: $15 for 100
Brush: $17 including shipping
Cream: $5

So you can see that you can get away with being rather cheap when you first start and still get an amazing shave. I have been so happy with my shave that I see no reason to go out and spend more money on more expensive shaving equipment.

[Sydney Guy]

BestShave has a starter kit on Ebay for $US28.70 that includes:

1 Arko regular shaving cream 65 gr
1 Alum block (70 gr)
1 Arko after shave fat cream
1 Arko 75 gr shaving stick
1 Shaving Brush
1 Safety classic Razor
1 Derby plastic handle razor
Total 85 double edge razor blades
25 shark double edge
20 derby extra double edge
5 astra double edge
5 perma-sharp double edge
10 rapira double edge
10 treet dura-sharp double edge
10 racer double edge

That's gotta be the best value around to get you started.

[DavidP]

Holy crap that's a bargain! Just might take a bit to arrive as it's from AUS.

The Gentleman's best kit also seems to be a good value, and I'll throw a +1 on not getting the pre/post.

This would be my starter kit recommendation:

Tweezerman/Omega brush
Puck of Van der Hagen purchased locally
Tube of Omega cream
Big DE blade sampler pack
Cheap razor; vintage or a Weishi
Aftershave splash/balm purchased locally

Don't go buying scuttles or "shaving mugs" at the outset. Melt the VdH soap into a mug and build lather in another mug or right on your face. Keep it simple.

BestShave has a starter kit on Ebay for $US28.70 that includes:

1 Arko regular shaving cream 65 gr
1 Alum block (70 gr)
1 Arko after shave fat cream
1 Arko 75 gr shaving stick
1 Shaving Brush
1 Safety classic Razor
1 Derby plastic handle razor
Total 85 double edge razor blades
25 shark double edge
20 derby extra double edge
5 astra double edge
5 perma-sharp double edge
10 rapira double edge
10 treet dura-sharp double edge
10 racer double edge

That's gotta be the best value around to get you started.

[Bit2]

First of all welcome.

A few hints. Ask questions and you will get hundreds of opinions.
Most will point you in the right direction.

You need:

1. a razor
2. blades
3. soap/cream
4. brush

The EJ is fine but you can get cheaper Gillette Tech and super speed razors on the B/S/T.
Use with what you are comfortable with both in cost and presentation.
I know when I was new, I wanted only new razors.
That limits you. But it is a start and that is what is important.

Blades see B&B vendors Bullgoose or Dridiot. Both will set you up with blade samplers.

I would pick a soap and a cream. I am partial to C.O. Bigelow/Proraso for cream.
I use more Mama Bear soaps, but I occasionally use Williams, a very inexpensive soap that can be found in most drug stores.

Most importantly, please watch all of Mantic59's videos here. He goes into great detail regarding technique, lathering etc. Please pay attention to the preparation, lathering and super-lathering videos. They will help you the most.

Good luck,

JB

[Jwolf24601]

You're going to want the vintage gillette sooner or later, may as well start with it. They just don't make them like they used to.

If I was starting today I would:

Buy a Gillette Super Speed on BST forum for $10-20
Buy Omega 63171 Badger Brush from Westcoastshaving.com $25
Buy Choice Blade Sampler from Westcoastshaving.com $10
Buy Tabac in dish from Westcoastshaving $17

[pauls51]

Keep an eye out for members selling 'newbie' DE shave kits.. They normally come with a razor, brush and various samples of soaps, creams and aftershaves!