Newbie buying question.

**chefjbs** · 03-06-2011, 06:26 PM

Hello All.

i'm an 31 year old asian guy that is tired of the electric shave that i'm getting now. I sometimes use my mach 3/fusion or whatever they are calling it now. But i do get the occasional razor irritation from it.

I don't have a ton of facial hair, but the little i do have is pretty full. Its mostly mustache/goatee. no mutton chops and extreme neck hair. But the hair is pretty thick and straight. Mark it all up to being asian.

So i have a couple questions, mostly about what kind of gear should i start with. I like the soap and mug set up and the DE safety razor (not ready for a straight razor). Just wondering what a decent setup would be for a decent price. As for right now the gear is mostly for function right now... i know how this could get out of hand pretty quickly. I am already a knife nut and I have to many watches according to my wife. So if i could keep this to a minimum for now that would be great.

Thank you all and its great to be a part of the community.

Joe

**mblakele** · 03-06-2011, 06:32 PM

Welcome to B&B!

You could start with an Edwin Jagger 89, a blade sampler, Bigelow cream, and witch hazel. For a brush you might try the Edwin Jagger medium best, or an Omega boar, or for a little more money the Simpson Colonel or Rooney 3/1 Super.

**Sledgehammer39** · 03-06-2011, 06:41 PM

Welcome Aboard.. For a new DE razor I would suggest the Edwin Jagger 89L or the Merkur 34C. As for a brush an entry level badger or boar brush. I would also suggest watching Mantic59 on youtube. His tutorials are very informative. Mantic59 covers everything regarding the DE shave from use to kit's.

**chefjbs** · 03-06-2011, 06:43 PM

Mantic59... i have seen him!! One of the guys (Jim) over on kitchenknifeforums.com had this site on his signature and that's how i found it. Thanks for the quick replies guys.

Joe

**demaro** · 03-06-2011, 06:47 PM

Welcome to the group Joe !!

**rickboone1** · 03-06-2011, 06:53 PM

Merkur 38c and a blade sampler pack. Or a Gillette Slim adjustable. Get something easy and good to lather, Arko shave sticks.

**Jim1968** · 03-06-2011, 06:54 PM

Welcome aboard.

**franstjohn** · 03-06-2011, 07:04 PM

Welcome to the forum!

Good suggestions above. I also like the Merkur 23C-a mild and inexpensive razor. In terms of function alone, I don't think you can beat Van der Hagen (VDH) soap or Kiss My Face (KMF) cream and both are available almost everywhere locally. The blade sampler suggested above is an excellent idea that will acquaint you with more than one "favorite" blades. I would also suggest a bottle of Witch Hazel for post shave comfort.

Glad you could join us. Tell us a little more about yourself in the Hall Of Fame.http://badgerandblade.com/vb/forumdisplay.php?f=30

**BigFoot** · 03-06-2011, 07:09 PM

Welcome to B&B!

You have been given a lot of good advice. The only thing I would add is if you do not care if your razor is new, check out the BST for a vintage Gillette. Or I see you are in both my PIFs, maybe you will win one.

**dpmtherrien** · 03-06-2011, 07:24 PM

Welcome to the B. Good to have you here.

**namonarpos** · 03-06-2011, 07:59 PM

Welcome, and good luck with whatever gear you decide to go with!

**rm71** · 03-07-2011, 03:23 AM

Welcome to B&B!!

**jss4537** · 03-07-2011, 04:07 AM

Razor:
Edwin Jagger 89L, EJ89L

Soap:
I have Musgo real, C.O and Tabac stick. So far have gotten best face lather from the stick. You want the bowl set up so the the creams should function well

Have MWF on my list to buy next.

Tried RSC gel and did not like it. Heard the creams are better - available at local rite aids.

TFH have a sample pack

Blades:
Get a sample pack and try them all. So far the one my face seems to like is Feather. Do not be afraid to try it as a noob...

Vendors:
lots online depending on where you are. Have had good dealings with West Coast Shaving and Royal Shave.

Welcome to B&B..

**btuer60** · 03-07-2011, 04:18 AM

Welcome!

Some good advice above.

As a prev post advised - a vintage Gillette can be a very cost effective way of getting into DE shaving. Check out the BST forum (and the WTB sub-forum). A Gillette Tech would likely be the least expensive and its also a fine mild razor - a Gillette Superspeed would be probably be the next least expensive.

Also check out the PIF posts from HDStreetGlide in this same forum. He is offering some amazing gifts to newbies.

**YetiDave** · 03-07-2011, 04:32 AM

I started off with a Timor DE which, at least in my hands, seems to be pretty forgiving. I also started off with Feather blades but a sample pack's probably a good way to go. Also Omega boar brushes are great and you can't go wrong with Proraso soap. As for a mug - just pick up a soup mug!

**fidjit** · 03-07-2011, 05:08 AM

Hey Joe

As a fellow (slightly older ) asian ( well a banana ...... yellow on the outside, white on the inside

) and B&B member welcome.

I know where you're coming at about the facial hair. I've got no hope of growing a full beard as it doesn't even join between my chin and ear. Can get a goatee but if I leave it it's probably gonna be one of those wispy old chinese man ones ( I did actually run a "goatee" for a while in my younger days and look at pics of myself at that time with a feeling of disgust and self loathing. God knows how or why the wifey put up with it

)

My half asian 17 year old son was actually complaining tonight about his lack of ability to ever be able to grow a full beard as it's so patchy

I'd suggest if you want to minimize your spend to get into it look at a vintage Gillette DE, probably something from the BST ( Buy/Sell/Trade) here. Truth is anything you pickup here is going to be better than the electric or cartridge you're using now.

By the sounds of your other obsessions it won't be long till you've got a bit of a collection of DE razors ...then blades....then brushes...then soaps...then....anyway.

Good luck !!!

**Marcus_C** · 03-07-2011, 05:11 AM

Welcome to B&B! You're in the right place

**Marcus_C** · 03-07-2011, 05:14 AM

Welcome aboard! Happy shaving when you've decided!

**jcocucci** · 03-07-2011, 05:24 AM

Welcome aboard! +1 on the recommendation to get a blade sampler pack -- an extensive one. No one blade is perfect for every face; by trying several brands and versions, you'll find the one that suits you best. Right now Bluebirds and Feathers are working best for me, but I still have 15 or so others to try. Good luck experimenting!

**ackvil** · 03-07-2011, 05:54 AM

Welcome to B&B.

For a good starting off point look at the information at this post. The information there will direct you to where you can get answers to all of your shaving needs. Plus, it’s always a good idea to read the wikis and stickies. And, don’t forget; if you have any questions just ask.