My SOTD - Help me decide, please

**Newfie** · 05-01-2007, 05:13 PM

Keep in mind I'm a Newbie. It will be a first for me with either combo.

**ouch** · 05-01-2007, 05:28 PM

I'd go with the long handle/Feather combo. After you try both, switch the blades!

**Newfie** · 05-01-2007, 05:45 PM

Originally Posted by ouch

snip... After you try both, switch the blades!

Interesting suggestion!!! Thanks.

**Antique Hoosier** · 05-01-2007, 05:53 PM

The Merkur is an impressive tool....but.....I'm thinkin Fat Boy...Good shaving whichever you choose!

**red2** · 05-01-2007, 06:08 PM

If it is you first time with a feather, I would go with the razor you feel most comfortable with. And then branch out from there.

I voted for the Merkur, but I think you can't loose.

**ouch** · 05-01-2007, 06:18 PM

When you try the fat boy with the Feather, keep the setting low, around 3 or so.

**Newfie** · 05-01-2007, 06:32 PM

And the envelope please!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Merkur / Feather wins by a nose - 5 votes to 4.

Thanks to all who voted!!

I'm off to the Man Cave!!

**ouch** · 05-01-2007, 07:26 PM

Have fun.

**Limey** · 05-01-2007, 07:50 PM

I'm thinking Fat Boy dialed down to 3 (like Ouch said) with the Gillette would be a nice starting combo for you.

**Newfie** · 05-02-2007, 05:43 AM

Well guys, it was a success!! As noted, I went with the Merkur LH Classic / Feather combo.

Hot shower, wet my face, only, no soap.
Lathered up with Body Shop shaving cream and WS Boar brush
Hot towel for 3 minutes
Proraso Pre / Post shave (before each pass)
Created a very nice lather with Proraso Green and my Vulvix Pure Badger with 20mm knot
First pass N-S
Relather, and S-N pass
Relather again and this pass was ATG
Hot rinse, a light application of Proraso Pre-Post
Ice cold rinse
Alum block
Another cold rinse
Pat dry with a warm towell
Body Shop ASB
Finish off with a splash of Brut Original

I was very tentative due to the "sharp" rep this blade has, but knew the razor was very mild, so I was hoping they balanced each other out, and they did.

Ended up dayum close to a BBS shave with almost no blood. I was amazed at how easily the blade sliced through the 2 days growth.

Next shave is Friday night with the Fat Boy and a Gillette Super Stainless. Then, as Ouch suggested, I'll switch blades in these 2 razors and try them again. I'll use the same creams & soaps and regeime as I used last night with 48 hours between shaves each time so I'm comparing apples & apples.

**Stauff** · 05-02-2007, 07:55 AM

Originally Posted by ouch

I'd go with the long handle/Feather combo. After you try both, switch the blades!

The very beginning of shaving permutations... Aah, how I remember those early days...

**DirtyDave** · 05-24-2007, 02:45 PM

I voted for the Fatboy, but either way will give a fine shave.

**guenron** · 05-27-2007, 08:58 AM

Originally Posted by ouch

Have fun.

I think he was contemplating the BAT ROOM..

**fritz** · 06-03-2007, 03:34 PM

Originally Posted by Newfie

Well guys, it was a success!! As noted, I went with the Merkur LH Classic / Feather combo.

Hot shower, wet my face, only, no soap.
Lathered up with Body Shop shaving cream and WS Boar brush
Hot towel for 3 minutes
Proraso Pre / Post shave (before each pass)<snip>

Almost what I do, but I put on the Proraso Pre and scrub about 20 seconds with hot water, then lather, then hot towels. I then use a tiny puddle (maybe half a teaspoon) of glycerin rubbed into a wet face just before each lathering.

But of course, what works, works. At least keep this up tor the rest of the testing.

(You can get Proraso Pre about 40% cheaper in the 500g tub!)