Initial Thoughts on New Razor

[rrog]

I just posted an intro in the Intro and Shave Clinic section so I thought I'd share my initial thoughts on my new razor. It's the Merkur 38HD and is a lot heavier than I thought it would be. I've used a Gillette Mach 3 for years and the 38HD seems at least twice as heavy as what I'm used to.

And to show how little I know about this type of shaving, I was not aware that the razor blades were so bendable. I was thinking the blade would sort of be like the ones I buy for my Stanley utility knife. But this one is very flexible. I also didn't know that as you screwed down the top onto the blade that the blade bent to conform to the razor. It makes sense because the triple blades on my Mach 3 are very bendy too. Just a quick question: do I need to be concerned with over tightening the screw on the barber pole? I'd hate to strip it but yet I want to ensure the blade stays secure.

My wife commented that she could have given me one of her old makeup brushes to use after she saw the brush. Does the quality (and cost) of the brush really play into the closeness of the shave? Considering that high quality paint brushes are much more expensive than lesser-quality ones, I'm going to guess that there is some advantage to a higher quality brush but not all that much. The brush doesn't seem to be a make or break deal.

And now about the soap. I'll admit I haven't done any research into soap. I have the Col. Conk soap, with Bayrum written on the top lid. Is this a good soap? If I had to guess, I'd say the soap has more to do with the closeness of the shave than the brush does. But feel free to correct me if you disagree. Exactly how do I use it? Take a small dallop and put it into the mug and add hot water to lather it up? Or is it better to wet the brush and then stir the brush into the soap?

If those are questions that are asked many times, feel free to point me in the direction of the posts. I'll read around some more too. I'm just giving my initial impressions right now and will do the research later. Now I want to go have a quick shave!

rrog

[GDCarrington]

I just posted an intro in the Intro and Shave Clinic section so I thought I'd share my initial thoughts on my new razor. It's the Merkur 38HD and is a lot heavier than I thought it would be. I've used a Gillette Mach 3 for years and the 38HD seems at least twice as heavy as what I'm used to.

And to show how little I know about this type of shaving, I was not aware that the razor blades were so bendable. I was thinking the blade would sort of be like the ones I buy for my Stanley utility knife. But this one is very flexible. I also didn't know that as you screwed down the top onto the blade that the blade bent to conform to the razor. It makes sense because the triple blades on my Mach 3 are very bendy too. Just a quick question: do I need to be concerned with over tightening the screw on the barber pole? I'd hate to strip it but yet I want to ensure the blade stays secure.

My wife commented that she could have given me one of her old makeup brushes to use after she saw the brush. Does the quality (and cost) of the brush really play into the closeness of the shave? Considering that high quality paint brushes are much more expensive than lesser-quality ones, I'm going to guess that there is some advantage to a higher quality brush but not all that much. The brush doesn't seem to be a make or break deal.

And now about the soap. I'll admit I haven't done any research into soap. I have the Col. Conk soap, with Bayrum written on the top lid. Is this a good soap? If I had to guess, I'd say the soap has more to do with the closeness of the shave than the brush does. But feel free to correct me if you disagree. Exactly how do I use it? Take a small dallop and put it into the mug and add hot water to lather it up? Or is it better to wet the brush and then stir the brush into the soap?

If those are questions that are asked many times, feel free to point me in the direction of the posts. I'll read around some more too. I'm just giving my initial impressions right now and will do the research later. Now I want to go have a quick shave!

rrog

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!

Let the weight of the razor do the work. No heavy pressure like using cartridge razors. View Mantics videos.

Good fortune.

[BlackBard]

Welcome aboard B&B. You have asked good questions. Check out the wiki's for answers about lathering, brushes, etc. You will be amazed at how much information is available here.

Good luck.

[FL shaver]

The brush matters! I'd recommend an EJ Best Badger as a great all around brush. Many options here....

[sirslick]

I have the 38C and it is heavy, but well balanced, hold the end furthest away from the blade and let the weight of the head do the work, you really don't need a lot of pressure for a good close shave, on the brush front....either Badger or Boar, personally I like badger. Make up brushes are normally synthetic which means they will probably repel water as opposed to soaking it up, possibly making it very hard to get a good lather, which will effect the quality of your shave.

Col Conk soap is just fine and has much Glycerin in it, which will help the razor glide very well.

All you need Sir is a decent brush!

Enjoy, and remember nice and slow, and no pressure.

[ackvil]

Welcome.

A make up brush will not work. You want a brush that holds water and can make lather - not apply powder, foundation, etc. that is part of a woman's arsenal. Further, I doubt that any make up brush would be large enough to work other than a Kabuki brush. And those brushes are not cheap.

[Codfish]

This guide should help answer a lot of early questions. There are many, more detailed guides in the Wiki section.

Welcome and good luck!

Codfish

[dannymayo]

Welcome to the forum. There is an abundance of information here, I suggest wiki and faq sections especially. You can also look for videos by "Mantic" on youtube.com Look at how he holds the razor in his hand during the videos.

I would not recommend a make up brush to shave with. When you get a brush simply swirl it around on the puck to pick up some soap.

[rrog]

Thanks for the welcome and advice. I've found that the threads are helpful and informative.

rrog

[mattymatt]

Welcome to B&B, I also recomend Manitc's videos.

[DustMite]

Welcome to B&B, I also recomend Manitc's videos.

Go to youtube and look for videos by mantic59. He has quite a few great tutorial videos that many of us have used to get started in wet shaving.

[jansob]

Look into an Omega boar brush...West Coast Shaving has some for under $10 that work very well.

And a blade sampler pack to find the best blade for you.

I'd advise against spending much more money until you've gotten used to your current gear.

And Mantic's videos are outstanding. I can't think of anyone who's more responsible for my current love of DE shaving.

[The Count of Merkur Cristo]

rrog:
Welcome to the B & B and please feel free to come up to the sun deck and 'sit-a-spell'.

It sounds like you're off to a great start 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, it is very wise and 'sage' advice to get a Razor Blade Sampler to see what blade is a good fit (mild, moderate & aggressive, ect...), for your face and Razor...I happen to like Feathers with my Merkur's 23C & 38C razors (among other blades), too

Although, you may not be additted yet (I think I'm holding up fairly well...with a few exceptions), because we all suffer (and are doomed perhaps ), from this shaving complusion (and other Acquisition Disorders), because at times..."Resistance is futile".

Below is the B & B Wet Shaving Instructions and Tutorials.

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


Please don't forget once you get time....please tell all of us a little about yourself in the Hall of Fame sub-forum.

Christopher