I've been an electric razor user for most of my 32 years. I've had two gifted to me and they were rather quick and easy. Lately I've found I have been getting a lot of irritation, especially on my neck, when using it. So, I read a thread in a cigar forum I frequent (CigarAsylum) about wet shaving. The guys there referred me here for more information.
Since I first decided to give this a try I've made a few purchases. I picked up a 50's Gillette DE razor. Not sure which model. I also picked up a Van Der Hagen starter kit from Amazon that came with a mug, a puck of shave soap, a purge badger brush, and a drying stand for the brush and razor. I was given a 5 pack of Schick Shark blades when I bought my razor. I also picked up a 10 pack of Meijer brand blades at my local Meijer. I think they're made by Personna but, I'm not sure and I haven't tried them out yet.
So far I've only had about 6 shaves since converting but, I'm not going back. I actually enjoy shaving now. Although I am still learning and my technique is not where it needs to be yet. I have only had 3 nicks total and no weepers but I have had some burning and red skin after trying my first two ATG passes. Now, I didn't jump right into them, they were pass #4 on my last two shaves. I have done 1 WTG, 2 XTG, then ATG. I think I was applying unneeded pressure when shaving on attempt #5. I was very conscious of this last night on #6 and things improved. I got little if any red, but still some burn afterward. My only prep has been a warm wet towel or a shower. My only AS has been a balm by Neutrogena which claims no alcohol and is for sensitive skin. Although it seems to burn as it dries. Not sure if that is just a little razor burn or the balm bugging my skin. Anyway, my beard growth is light. I only shave about every other day and couldn't grow a goatee or moustache to save my life let alone a full beard. Any tips or suggestions are welcome.
I'm glad to be here and I look forward learning the art of the shave.
Mike
Since I first decided to give this a try I've made a few purchases. I picked up a 50's Gillette DE razor. Not sure which model. I also picked up a Van Der Hagen starter kit from Amazon that came with a mug, a puck of shave soap, a purge badger brush, and a drying stand for the brush and razor. I was given a 5 pack of Schick Shark blades when I bought my razor. I also picked up a 10 pack of Meijer brand blades at my local Meijer. I think they're made by Personna but, I'm not sure and I haven't tried them out yet.
So far I've only had about 6 shaves since converting but, I'm not going back. I actually enjoy shaving now. Although I am still learning and my technique is not where it needs to be yet. I have only had 3 nicks total and no weepers but I have had some burning and red skin after trying my first two ATG passes. Now, I didn't jump right into them, they were pass #4 on my last two shaves. I have done 1 WTG, 2 XTG, then ATG. I think I was applying unneeded pressure when shaving on attempt #5. I was very conscious of this last night on #6 and things improved. I got little if any red, but still some burn afterward. My only prep has been a warm wet towel or a shower. My only AS has been a balm by Neutrogena which claims no alcohol and is for sensitive skin. Although it seems to burn as it dries. Not sure if that is just a little razor burn or the balm bugging my skin. Anyway, my beard growth is light. I only shave about every other day and couldn't grow a goatee or moustache to save my life let alone a full beard. Any tips or suggestions are welcome.
I'm glad to be here and I look forward learning the art of the shave.
Mike
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