new shaving hater!

[multifuel]

Hello All!
I must say until 2 days ago I never even considered this type of shaving! I recall my father using a DE razor as a child however I have never used one nor know anyone that has.

I personally have hated shaving since I started at 17 in bootcamp in the Army- HATE IT! i have no problem with my face, except it is not as handsome as one could hope for, it is my neck that is the problem-terrible razor burn, occasional in-grown hairs and it is more irritating than a screaming baby on a plane!

I have been using the Mach 3 for years (over 10 now I think, sensor previously) and get two decent shaves from a blade (i have thick-ish hair I assume). I take my shower than soak a cloth in very hot water and use that around my neck keeping my hands over it to keep the heat from escaping fast, it is almost untolerably hot and a lesser man would run screaming into the night dear reader, this I assure you. I then use Aveeno or some other high quality (supposedly) gel type schmutz and frost my face and allow said schmutz to set for approx. 1 to 2 minutes while mentally preparing to enter the breach once again. I have gone with the grain and do small, narrow strips while making passes and nevertheless, irritation at the base of my neck mostly and almost guarantee of razor burn in the area as well.

I am fascinated about this DE shaving and have been reading article after article and perusing your site as well. I am convinced to make a go of this and foray into the arcane world of wet shaving.
Now for the questions! (you didn't think i was just saying hello did you???

I like the Merkur Futur but am open to suggestions! i really want to buy a kit with a decent brush and porcelain/stone shaving mug that fits on same stand and under the brush but havent really seen what i want- The merkur futur set has mixed review, mostly for the cup being glass and the stand rusting so I have some reservations. Please if anyone of you, have a suggestion or know of a product that will deliver I am interested so please pass on to me. I dont want to spend a small fortune but I realize this is an investment and as such accept that part if this will help my situation.

Thanks again and i look forward to your suggestions, oh masters of the blade. Also very interesting site- gotta love the internet!<br>

[Mr5x5]

Welcome! Lots of time to fuel your acquisition disorder. I have a bowl for soap that I never use, face lather now. Sold off my first DE and mostly use a straight and am still settling into my soap routine. I like a boar brush, many with more tender faces like the badger ones. I would start with an inexpensive set up (not cheap but inexpensive and see what you like). If you use a DE a blade sample pack is a must.

[Psicko]

Welcome aboard. Before I started wetshaving, I hated to shave as well. Especially when required to shave everyday in the military. I lucked out and got my grandpa's old gillette DE. I personally dont use a stand. I shake my brush out and set it on the base. There are two routes in wet shaving as far as costs go. You can go the frugal route, or the expensive route. Whatever blows your skirt. I have never tried the Merkur Futur, but people seem like it. I would say just get a razor, a brush, and a sampler blade pack from westcoastshaving.com or bullgooseshaving.net. you can get a decent badger brush for 20-30 dollars. I am one of the frugal people on here. It is easy to spend a lot on different soaps, creams, brushes, aftershaves, etc. Enjoy! and thanks for serving.

[Sledgehammer39]

Welcome Aboard!

[demaro]

Welcome to the group !!

[dgilman]

Welcome to B&B! Many of us know what you mean about disliking your daily shave as an unpleasant chore. Most of us are now somewhat obsessed with our daily shave as a ritual — it's that different when you get serious about technique and gear.

My advice is to start with relatively inexpensive equipment, and practice, practice, practice. I would avoid expensive, complicated razors like the Futur until you have some acquired skill in shaving with a basic DE razor. Get a moderately priced ($10-$20) razor — new or vintage. Get a small blade sampler and start trying out blades in that razor. Get a cheap puck or two of soap, or a shaving stick, or a reputable cream — most of them don't cost much. Like Psicko says, you can get a decent badger brush for under $30, but then you can get a pretty good boar brush for under $15. You'll just have to experiment with your preferences, but I wouldn't be surprised if a boar served you better: the stiffer hair will exfoliate a bit more, and prep your whiskers for the shave. Your mention of ingrown hairs and razor burn especially makes me think that boar might be the way to start.

Once you get your starting kit, study and practice. There's a wealth of YouTube videos out there that walk you through various shaving techniques and even different razors; no doubt there are plenty that deal specifically with the complaints you mention. Be patient, and be careful, and you will learn to shave so well that you will come to look forward to your daily shave as a pleasure!

[Bejaar]

Greetings and welcome,
I've been at this for about 4 months now and haven't regretted it (even after the bad shaves). My first and only razor at this point is the Futur, and I can say it has been my best ally. When I began my journey, I read through many reviews and the Futur is about 50/50 for different reasons. One of the things you'll see often when it comes to this forum is YMMV (your mileage may vary), which is why I think the reviews are mixed on the Futur. Because the Futur is an adjustable, I didn't think I had anything to lose. Another adjustable with a good reputation is the Merkur Progress. They aren't the cheapest razors, but not the most expensive. I say go for it, and if you don't like it you can always trade or sell on the forum or amazon. One word of advice is try the blade sampler pack suggested by Psicko. I bought the everything sampler and have about 6 or so packs to go, although I've found about 4 brands which work extremely well. Proceed with caution however, because you will find blades that won't work with your razor, technique, skin type, hair type, etc. Trust me, I've had a few really bad shaves, but I just wait for the hair to grow back, and tell my self the next shave will be better. In my opinion, it will take some time, several blades, and lots of shaving soap before you find the perfect combination. Good luck to you.

Bejaar

[ackvil]

Good advice above. And welcome.

[N2theBreech]

Welcome, from someone else who never thought he'd be shaving DE and ... really liking it! You said you'd been browsing around, so I expect you've checked out the B&B Wiki and the Stickies at the top of this forum? Also, the Mantic59 videos? I think the coolest thing about starting DE shaving today, instead of when our fathers did, is the wealth of information available to us.

If you have any questions, please ask. Lots of helpful folks here who want to see people succeed.

[Viseguy]

Welcome! Traditional wet shaving will make you more handsome. Proven fact.

[duke9nuke]

Welcome. Hate turns to love.

[OkieStubble]

Welcome

[Marco]

Welcome to B&B!

[rkinz]

I've been back at it for a year now, and can tell you that the above advice is good. My own two cents worth is to "get into it," and I don't mean spend a lot. I just mean you have to pay attention to what you are doing. Most men shave without thinking about it, and never learn to enjoy it. But when you see your skin's health improve, and find that you can get a close shave without razor burn and that you really can treat the mundane as special, well, it's a groove that adds a little happy to our life in a challenging world.

Welcome.

B

[Artistik]

Welcome 2 B &B! Good luck in your quest.

[odbonsv]

welcome to B&B check back and let us know how your doing and dont forget enjoy your shave that times for you

[The Count of Merkur Cristo]

Greetings

Welcome aboard the B & B (besides being enrolled in the fictional, sacred and utopian Order of Shavedom). Please feel free to come up to the promenade / sun deck & 'sit-a-spell'.

Sounds like your 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.

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

"Lead us not into temptation. Just tell us where it is; we'll find it". Sam Levenson

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

"A razor [blade] can't be sharpened on a piece of velvet." Author Unknown

[NickCutlip]

Welcome to B&B !!

[takeshi]

I like the Merkur Futur but am open to suggestions!

Please if anyone of you, have a suggestion or know of a product that will deliver I am interested so please pass on to me.

You need to find the DE (and blade, soap, brush, etc) that works for you and first hand experience is how you'll determine that no matter how much you read. What "delivers" for one person may not for the next. If it was all one-size-fits-all then we'd probably a be using the very same combination of equipment and supplies. That's why "YMMV" is so prevalent here.

Like others, I'd suggest starting inexpensive and focusing on getting your technique down. Once you've had some experience you'll probably have a better idea of what you want to change. While popularity and what suits you best aren't the same thing it may help to start with some of the popular options. I'd suggest the DE89 as a starter DE as it's not expensive and has many favorable reviews but there are a number of other good options out there as well. Good luck in your search.

[RFT64]

Welcome to B&B!

I used to hate shaving also. It got better when I started using cream and a brush..... then I stumbled upon this fine forum, got myself a DE (several now.... yes I have RAD) and now look forward to my shave!

Lots of great info here and you will find threads on how to deal with your stubborn neck.