New DE User and Wet Shaver Help

**Ihorn** · 12-10-2010, 04:34 PM

Ok so this will be my first experience with DE shaving. I am wondering what I could be missing that I will need to purchase.

Christmas Gifts:

Super Badger Brush
Sienna Shaving soap from Crabtree and Evelyn
Merkur 34c Razor

What are the things that I will be missing before I do my first wet shave?

**eto** · 12-10-2010, 04:48 PM

Welcome to the forums.

Your off to a nice start.
Maybe add in a after shave of some sorts.

What type of razor will you be using with your Merkur?

**Luc** · 12-10-2010, 04:49 PM

Welcome to B&B!

A razor blade sample pack
Aftersahve

This should help: http://wiki.badgerandblade.com/index...ted_wetshaving

**john shea** · 12-10-2010, 04:51 PM

Welcome!
Additional suggestions:
-Shaving mug or bowl for making lather. You could use a coffee mug or small
bowl if you have a tight budget,
-Styptic pencil or alum block for nicks,

-After shave lotion or balm, witch hazel,
-Blade sampler so that you can determin which ones work best with your razor on your face,
-Additional high reputation shaving soaps to try such as but not limited to MWF or Tabac.

I use a Gillette Slim (which is what I started with around age 13), the Merkur 34G, and the Merkur Vision in my DE rotation. I like them all. You should be pleased with the performance of your 34C.

**Ihorn** · 12-10-2010, 04:53 PM

Originally Posted by etoknife

Welcome to the forums.

Your off to a nice start.
Maybe add in a after shave of some sorts.

What type of razor will you be using with your Merkur?

I was going to do a sampler pack like Luc suggested. I am unsure about the after shave. I really liked the English Musk that my Grandmother had given me that my Grandfather had used. I am afraid it might be a little strong though. So I might get some different samples to try, and see what I like from them.

**Luc** · 12-10-2010, 04:54 PM

Originally Posted by Ihorn

I was going to do a sampler pack like Luc suggested. I am unsure about the after shave. I really liked the English Musk that my Grandmother had given me that my Grandfather had used. I am afraid it might be a little strong though. So I might get some different samples to try, and see what I like from them.

I wouldn't worry too much about aftershave. It usually doesn't stay too long compared to a cologne.

**Montecristo #2** · 12-10-2010, 05:02 PM

Order the blade sampler from WCS and have them send a sample of Alt Innsbruck AS.

**Ihorn** · 12-10-2010, 05:04 PM

Thank you all for the great advice. I knew that even after reading over the forums the past few days I was forgetting things. I really appreciate all the help.

**The Count of Merkur Cristo** · 12-11-2010, 01:35 AM

Ihorn:
Welcome to the B & B

and it sounds like you're off to a great start, but please do take your time because Wet-Shaving is a 'journey' and not a race (oh by the way..I love my Merkurs 23C & 38C). Also, it might wise to get a Razor Blade Sampler to see what blade is a good fit (sharp, dull, ect...), for your face and Razor including 'pulling the trigger' for a bowl to lather in.

And yes...this Forum has the knowledge, ideas, and alround 'know-how' to assist in your Wet-Shaving experience. In a nut-shell...your 'gonna' love it here

Also, once you get time....please tell all of us a little about yourself in the Hall of Fame sub-forum

Christopher

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=130110

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=71700

**mretzloff** · 12-11-2010, 03:52 AM

Welcome to Badger & Blade!

**ackvil** · 12-11-2010, 05:14 AM

Welcome to B&B. The list above covers everything you will need. My only suggestion is to add some Thayers Rose Petal WH.

If you haven't already done so, take a look at this post. It provides an excellent road map to your shaving needs.

Also, take a look at the wikis on this site. The one on lather is particularly helpful.

Good luck on your journey.

**Ihorn** · 12-11-2010, 12:00 PM

I tried doing a more regimented pre-shave routine today following what has been suggested here. I took the time to use a warm cloth before I shaved. Then I lathered up my face, and made sure to use circular motions to rub the lather in. After I shaved with a cartridge ( yeah I know a cartridge) I used warm water to wash my face, and cold water to close the pores. Then I applied an after shave balm. It feels a lot better now.I cant wait to get my Christmas gifts and truly enjoy my shave. It took me almost half an hour to shave today. Thank you all for the wonderful advice. It really helped.