Just starting out

**Scuttlebutt2** · 10-24-2010, 11:59 PM

I recently found what a pleasure shaving was. I am in the military and everyday I climb out of my rack and had to go through that mandatory richual of shaving. Before I used a MACH and now I find more pleasure and satisfaction with my new MERKUR CLASSIC, FEATHER BLADES, TRUMPERS PUCK, AND BOAR BRUSH! For ten years I have been missing out on this great experience. I use boar due to my being over seas and lack of shipping options. But which is truly better badger or boar? Is it mearly preference? Also soap what do you guys recommend? My research has brought me to the setup I mentioned above. Is there something I can improve on? I am enjoying the shave it is way better than the MACH ever was or will be. Also is it better to go against the grain or with? Some places particularly under my chin feel as though ATG might be better, but I am not for sure if this is recomended for the beginner or novice. Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

**Luc** · 10-25-2010, 12:15 AM

Welcome to B&B!

Boar vs. Badger is a continuous debate... It's a matter of preference more than anything. Some wouldn't change their badgers and some wouldn't change their boar. You have to try one to know...

Your setup seems fine, if you didn't try a razor blade sample pack, I would advise to get one.

Shaving with the grain first is always better. If you do a 3 passes shave, you could go WTG, XTG, ATG.

Finally, read the tutorials but you seems on the right track...

**Scuttlebutt2** · 10-25-2010, 12:19 AM

I do two passes but I'll try a third. A sample pack? As a newbie when do I know I have found the right blade?

**Luc** · 10-25-2010, 12:28 AM

Originally Posted by CNTLKR

I do two passes but I'll try a third. A sample pack? As a newbie when do I know I have found the right blade?

You have to try them. A good blade for me can be a bad blade for you. I think that Feather are good but expensive and become dull quickly. When you find the right blade, you will know. Some will pull (not good) and some are very smooth!

**Scuttlebutt2** · 10-25-2010, 12:38 AM

Thanks for the help, If you have more advice on anything I would greatly appreciate it. I'm all over the newbie threads trying to get a better shave and understanding.

**Luc** · 10-25-2010, 12:42 AM

Originally Posted by CNTLKR

Thanks for the help, If you have more advice on anything I would greatly appreciate it. I'm all over the newbie threads trying to get a better shave and understanding.

There are a few pages that you can look at:
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=71700
http://wiki.badgerandblade.com/index...ted_wetshaving
http://wiki.badgerandblade.com/index.php/Lathers
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=130110

I think those 4 are the ones that come up the most often... If you have any questions, don't be shy!

**rm71** · 10-25-2010, 02:22 AM

Welcome

**SSGDPM** · 10-25-2010, 03:35 AM

Congratulations on getting started in wet shaving. I am also in the military and have to shave everyday and DE shaving has helped me to enjoy this daily task. The advice already given by Luc is great and I would follow that and read the Wiki's. It's is a learning curve but the advice given will get you headed in the right direction. Definitely go with a blade sampler as I have found out that they are almost exclusively dependent on the individual's face and setup. One persons great blade is many times someone else's worst blade.

**franstjohn** · 10-25-2010, 03:58 AM

Welcome to B&B and thanks for your service!

**ackvil** · 10-25-2010, 04:39 AM

Welcome to B&B and thank you for your service.

**Voomie** · 10-25-2010, 10:26 AM

Welcome. I use a boar brush and love it. Since you are new you have to try different things to find what works for you. If you dont mind spending the money then you will ultimately end up with a happy shave. It just takes time, trial and error and a little bit of luck. Best wishes.

**NickCutlip** · 10-25-2010, 01:48 PM

Welcome to B&B !!

**theshaveshed** · 10-25-2010, 03:20 PM

Welcome to B&B

**grump** · 10-25-2010, 04:32 PM

Welcome to B&B!

+1 on the blade sampler pack

Boar or Badger?

I believe you need to try to make the decision yourself. I have them both and love them both.

If you are getting an irritation free shave with 2 wtg passes and have a few spots that aren't getting close enough the maybe you should map your growth.
Sometimes it isn't as easy as up-down, left-right, right-left & down-up.

Growth map

Also you may want to watch Mantic59's videos here: http://www.youtube.com/user/mantic59

**pauls51** · 10-25-2010, 05:56 PM

Welcome to B&B Mate!

**GDCarrington** · 10-25-2010, 06:23 PM

Welcome to the good ship B&B. Take a stroll on the promenade deck and enjoy the voyage.

Always remember, relax but be vigilant when you shave!

**OkieStubble** · 10-25-2010, 09:48 PM

Welcome to B&B!

**Umbranaut** · 10-25-2010, 10:15 PM

Welcome to B&B and thank you for your service.
I use both badger and boar brushes and love both types. Each one has there merits. You will know when you find the right razor blade. One day you will lather up and it will be perfect. The blade will glide effortlessly across your face. The hairs will seem to just jump off without any sensation of being cut away. The skin underneath will be smooth and untouched. Then you will have reached a state of Zen with the shave.

Or perhaps I'm just messing with you.

Terry

**SP120K** · 10-25-2010, 10:24 PM

Welcome, it seems like you've got a good start! If only I knew of classic wet shaving while I was in the Army, my skin would have thanked me. My one piece of advice to pass on is use no pressure, and let the weight of the razor's head do the work.