I'm Back (and hopefully wiser)

[ieschwoch]

I'm not exactly a n00b, as I was very active on this forum a couple of years ago and probably have a few hundred DE shaves under my belt. I fell away from DE shaving (and wet shaving altogether) around the time that we had our first child in favor of a (gasp) electric. It took only 4 minutes to shave with the electric compared to 15-20 with a DE, and while the results weren't as good they were acceptable-looking enough that I didn't mind. I know some of you are saying, "What kind of idiot would accept an inferior shave just to shave (pun intended) 10-15 minutes off of his morning routine?" I don't really have a good answer to that, but once we had kids sleep was at a premium and it became important to get into work as early as possible so I could leave as early as possible to be home with the family. The 10-15 minutes cut from shave time might not seem like a big deal, but when I added it to the 20 or so minutes I could cut out of other parts of my morning routine, that meant I could sleep in 30 minutes and still make it into work on time.

Fast forward about 18 months. We have two kids now and my job is busier than it was then, yet I've decided to give DE shaving another shot. I've realized that the reason I stopped wetshaving was because I got too sucked in to the various AD's (which cost money and irritated my wife) and getting a BBS shave (which took a ridiculous amount of time). I also used up too much prep time and used a soap (MWF) that took a very long time to lather properly. I wanted to get my face 100% BBS every time, which caused irritation and led me to need an alum block followed by multiple layers of aftershave (whose application also took up extra time). Thus, shaving took 20 minutes nearly every morning, and I got sick of it.

This time around, I've decided to be a bit more practical. All of my old wetshaving stuff is in storage (since we're in the process of selling our house), so I'm starting from scratch with a Gillette SS, Red Pack Personna Blades, Cremo Cream, no brush, and realistic expectations. I don't need a BBS; I just need a better shave than a Fusion or electric with no irritation. On weekends, I can splurge with a more luxurious BBS shave, but during the week it's about a DFS and getting out the door. Once we move and I get my old wetshaving stuff (a nice super badger brush, a Merkur HD, and another SS) out of storage, I can upgrade my shave to a better cream or a quick-lathering soap. I'm not going to waste my money with AD's (since I already know what products work well for me after my AD's last time). If I can make wetshaving quick, cheap, and convenient, there's a chance I might actually stick with it this time.

Anyway, that's my story, for anywone who cares. We'll see how this DE shaving business goes the second time around.

[Vlad]

I definitely see the wisdom! That's definitely the reasonable way to go, not going all wacky like a lot of us. I found I can get a quick two-pass shave with some cream (squirt/dip and lather) in 5 minutes if I need to. Gotta use the brush, though.

[franz]

I know some of you are saying, "What kind of idiot would accept an inferior shave just to shave (pun intended) 10-15 minutes off of his morning routine?" I don't really have a good answer to that, but once we had kids sleep was at a premium and it became important to get into work as early as possible so I could leave as early as possible to be home with the family.

I wouldn't question that at all.

This time around, I've decided to be a bit more practical. All of my old wetshaving stuff is in storage (since we're in the process of selling our house), so I'm starting from scratch with a Gillette SS, Red Pack Personna Blades, Cremo Cream, no brush, and realistic expectations.

Awesome.

Welcome back into the fold!

[rearviewmirror]

welcome back!

[mandoman]

Welcome back

[Geordon]

Congratulations on the young'uns, and welcome back. Did you hear about the new tea tree & rosemary soap AND cream from Coates? OMG. And easy, good lather, to boot!

[California Cajun]

I'm not exactly a n00b, as I was very active on this forum a couple of years ago and probably have a few hundred DE shaves under my belt. I fell away from DE shaving (and wet shaving altogether) around the time that we had our first child in favor of a (gasp) electric. It took only 4 minutes to shave with the electric compared to 15-20 with a DE, and while the results weren't as good they were acceptable-looking enough that I didn't mind. I know some of you are saying, "What kind of idiot would accept an inferior shave just to shave (pun intended) 10-15 minutes off of his morning routine?" I don't really have a good answer to that, but once we had kids sleep was at a premium and it became important to get into work as early as possible so I could leave as early as possible to be home with the family. The 10-15 minutes cut from shave time might not seem like a big deal, but when I added it to the 20 or so minutes I could cut out of other parts of my morning routine, that meant I could sleep in 30 minutes and still make it into work on time.

Fast forward about 18 months. We have two kids now and my job is busier than it was then, yet I've decided to give DE shaving another shot. I've realized that the reason I stopped wetshaving was because I got too sucked in to the various AD's (which cost money and irritated my wife) and getting a BBS shave (which took a ridiculous amount of time). I also used up too much prep time and used a soap (MWF) that took a very long time to lather properly. I wanted to get my face 100% BBS every time, which caused irritation and led me to need an alum block followed by multiple layers of aftershave (whose application also took up extra time). Thus, shaving took 20 minutes nearly every morning, and I got sick of it.

This time around, I've decided to be a bit more practical. All of my old wetshaving stuff is in storage (since we're in the process of selling our house), so I'm starting from scratch with a Gillette SS, Red Pack Personna Blades, Cremo Cream, no brush, and realistic expectations. I don't need a BBS; I just need a better shave than a Fusion or electric with no irritation. On weekends, I can splurge with a more luxurious BBS shave, but during the week it's about a DFS and getting out the door. Once we move and I get my old wetshaving stuff (a nice super badger brush, a Merkur HD, and another SS) out of storage, I can upgrade my shave to a better cream or a quick-lathering soap. I'm not going to waste my money with AD's (since I already know what products work well for me after my AD's last time). If I can make wetshaving quick, cheap, and convenient, there's a chance I might actually stick with it this time.

Anyway, that's my story, for anywone who cares. We'll see how this DE shaving business goes the second time around.

My story was a chapped face and lousy results for 40 years. I tried just about all the new wetshaving innovations, mixed in with several serious attempts at electric razor shaving. The last time I used a Fusion the "protective" area was losing its green color after two shaves, whereas when I started on Fusions it lasted for weeks. The last time I used the electric shaver (a quality Braun) the new razor head declined in quality shaves after a week despite cleaning. I was ripe to be taken in for an alternative because 40 years is beyond patience.

I happened to be looking on the internet for something else and I saw, quite by accident, the article The Zen of Shaving (see link in my signature). Turned out the author was a moderator and vendor on this forum and that's how I found this place. My first DE razor was a dud, but I didn't know it and I was really discouraged. I explained what was happening to another vendor that maintains a presence on this site and he could tell it was defective. He told me about his best seller (and personal razor), I ordered it, and I got the best shaves of my life with it. I have since experimented with other DE, SE, Straights, and various accessories, and a little over a year later I'm still excited over having a great shave.

Everybody has a personal situation that dictates what he uses and why. It's more fun when you set goals for yourself. It takes too much time on a typical workday to use a straight razor, so I hope to achieve a level of proficiency that allows me to do it and maintain my blades more often. But the DE razor shaves are a dream now compared to everything I tried all those years.

[Dennard]

Good to have you back!

[Greyfox]

Welcome back.

[Sledgehammer39]

Welcome Back.

[Jim]

Kill the fatted calf! The prodigal son returns.. Welcome back.

[Don Barbiere]

Welcome back

[dpmtherrien]

Good that you've returned. Welcome back.

[ackvil]

Welcome back.

[Eric V]

Well, good luck this time around. Glad you recognized your previous need of having a BBS every time. I like the way I can get an OK shave in a bit less than 10 minutes ... and still like the time spent on a longer shave with a straight and more passes.

[BobK]

Welcome back. I bet your story is quite common regarding the AD's and the almost irresistible pull to spend a little more time to do that extra pass and touch up to get BBS. This is a good reminder that we don't have to give up wetshaving because of time if we remember that even a proper 1 or 2 pass shave is still closer and more comfortable than an electric.

[redrako]

Welcome Back.

As a new Dad trying to maximize both time and money, you have to explain nothing.

As much as I like finer cremes and soaps, Arko Shave Sticks face lathered are give you wonderful lather, more than enough for 3 passes, in less than a minute right out of the shower. You can find them on Amazon, 15 sticks/$16.99.

[redrako]

Welcome Back.

As a new Dad trying to maximize both time and money, you have to explain nothing.

As much as I like finer cremes and soaps, Arko Shave Sticks face lathered are give you wonderful lather, more than enough for 3 passes, in less than a minute right out of the shower. You can find them on Amazon, 15 sticks/$16.99.

[mretzloff]

Welcome to back!

[Optometrist]

Welcome back to B&B!