Hi, thank you—and a few questions...

[Smott]

Hi all,

A quick background summary:

A few weeks ago, for the first time in my life, I considered wet shaving. I looked at Dollar Shave Club, then Smartmoney's article on those cartridge razors being supplied by Dorco, then Dorco's USA distributor website, only to find they were out of stock. So while I waited, I looked around the Internet. And found B&B. Bless you. Bless you all. I have been poring over this site for the last two weeks and have learned so much—not the least of which was that I was not going to buy a cartridge razor. Thanks to everyone who contributes on this board, for the mutual respect, for the kind gestures, and, put simply, for the admirable community here. Very inviting, and very educational.

But here's the thing. I am now in my early thirties and have been shaving with a Norelco since I was 15. I've never used a Mach3 or Fusion. I've never used foam, "goo", cream, or soap. I've never used an aftershave. I've never prepped my face. I literally have years of inexperience! hehe

Now, here's what I've got (thanks, wife)...:

• Bodyshop shaving brush
• Bodyshop maca root shave cream

...and here's what I'm thinking of getting:

• EJ DE89L
• WSC's Choice blade sampler: Feather New Hi-Stainless Platinum (10 blades), Crystal or "Israeli" (10 blades), Derby Extra (5 blades), Red Israeli Personna (5blades), Astra Superior Platinum (5 blades)
• Proraso cream

A couple of curiosity questions:

1. After reading through lots of threads, I'm confused. Why are the same exact blades showing up in the "absolute best blades" and "absolute worst blades" threads? The only explanations I can think of are the mixed techniques (someone doesn't like a sharper blade because they use too much pressure), or their skin is a different thickness (thick vs sensitive skin). If this is the case, would it be possible to start threads that match skin types/complexion so that all the guys who look more or less like "this" can talk favorites while all the guys that look like "that" can talk favorites. In other words, it would be cool to see images of guys with similar skin/beard thickness because I could probably see whose tastes would most likely align with mine.
2. A second part of that first question/issue is why some blades do better in certain razors. Why would this be? The only cutting mechanism is the blade itself, right? Or am I missing something? Why would a Merkur HD cut differently than an EJ DE89L with the same blades in both (or why would a Merkur HD with the same blade shave two people differently)?

A couple of "essential" questions:

1. Is there any hope for me? I've shaved with an electric razor for more than 15 years and will be shaving for the very first time with a non-electric razor. My dad used an electric razor as far back as I can remember, so I've never had anyone instruct me on how to do wet shaving. I've watched a couple of Youtube videos, but they're so confident in those videos and I still haven't found someone who seems to teach with the absolute first-timer in mind. Truth be told...I'm a little scared? Am I man? Or am I a muppet?!
2. Does my strategy seem ok? Is it a good idea to be getting the equipment mentioned above? An in-law recommended I try a cartridge first, but I think I'd rather learn the DE from the start rather than pick up bad cartridge habits...

Any other words of wisdom, or anybody want to be my personal tutor?! haha Thanks again, you guys. As stated, it means a lot to me to have found this community and I hope to be offering whatever wisdom I may gain from you to others who might be in my exact same position someday.

[Smott]

Hmmm...also, anyone know why my profile photo shows up on my profile page, but not in a forum thread by my name? I am eager to start on a more personalized level on this delightful forum. :)

Attention fellow newbies: profile photos and avatar photos are two separate things!

[Viseguy]

I made the switch from electric to wet -- 40 years ago -- and never looked back. Don't worry about it, you'll do fine.

The reason there are contradictory reports about blades, and just about everything else, is that shaving preferences are subjective and, sometimes, downright idiosyncratic. Half the fun is finding out what works for you. You've got a good starter set-up, so let the journey of discovery begin!

Hmmm...also, anyone know why my profile photo shows up on my profile page, but not in a forum thread by my name? I am eager to start on a more personalized level on this delightful forum. :)

Profile photo is not the same as an avatar. You need to upload an avatar photo.

[Smott]

Hi Visebuy, thanks for the encouragement! I've been electric "shaving" for so long, I think that's what concerns me. Most of the converts on here seem to be going from cartridges to DE razors and/or at least have some experience with wet shaving. I've never actually held a razor in my hand before, not even a Bic disposable! There needs to be an "Ultra-Newbie" forum! haha

[ackvil]

Welcome, Steve.

As said above razors, blades, and the software involved are all subjective. Some folks love Feathers, some don't. Some love Tabac, some don't.

If you haven't already done so, take a look at this post this post. It provides an excellent road map to your shaving needs.

Here are some other important items you should review. Pre-shave prep. http://wiki.badgerandblade.com/index.php/Pre-Shave_Prep
Lather: http://wiki.badgerandblade.com/index.php/Lathers
Blade angle: http://wiki.badgerandblade.com/index.php/Blade_Angle

And as always, if you have any questions, just ask.

[Oblique Human]

Welcome to B&B!

About the blades, its very YMMV. Why they perform different in different razors is because almost all razors have different heft, the blade gap is different, the handle length also comes into play.

A lot of the members here started from scratch with no one to guide them in the real world, yours truly included. Just search the forum for shave tutorials. I personally prefer written word to videos when it comes to shave guides. An excellent guide is at: Whipped Dog , scroll down a bit, its a PDF link under "NEWBIE HELP" heading. Its written for straight razors but is applicable to DE use as well.

Your strategy is perfect for a new shaver. Your brush is synthetic, you might want to invest in a starter boar or badger brush. You could buy an Omega boar and a Tweezerman badger for under $25 off of amazon.

Good luck with your shaves.

[Prof. Moriarty]

Welcome to B&B, Steve.
The EJ is a great razor imho. A blade sample is great, as is Proraso.
In regards to your questions.. different blades suit different people. And different razors are built differently (open comb etc..) therefore different blades work better or worse.
There is hope for you, and your strategy seems sound.

[Sledgehammer39]

Welcome Aboard!

[dpmtherrien]

Welcome to the group.

[RedRocks]

Hi Steve & welcome to B&B! YMMV, Different Strokes, etc. Yep that just about sums it up! Someone trying my equipment & technique could end up looking like shredded cabbage, while someone else would have entirely different results.

I see you're up there in Happy Valley! I'm down in the southeast corner (Monticello). Yeah, there is life south of Provo!

~Frank

[Threeme2189]

Welcome to the forums!

Don't worry about having never shaved with any kind of razor before.
I had been using a Gillette Mach 3 and Fusion for several years before starting with a DE, and it hasn't helped me in the slightest.
DE shaving and lathering techniques are nothing like cartridge razors and canned blue goop.

Just start slow and experiment with different setups and techniques.

[NickCutlip]

Welcome to B&B !!

[Smott]

@ackvil: Thank you for the welcome and for the resources. Much to learn, I still have.

@Oblique Human: Very much obliged. Thank you for your welcome and your welcome response.

@Prof. Moriarty: Your vote of confidence is very much appreciated.

@Sledgehammer39: Thanks, nice to meet you!

@dpmtherrien: Tip 'o the hat to you!

@RedRocks: Haha, so close, yet so far away! I've been meaning to visit Moab, but even that's still a little ways from where you are! Nice meeting you!

@Threeme2189: Your words do comfort me. I was kind of hoping that going in without cartridge habits might be a good thing?

@NickCutlip: Your welcome is more reassuring than your alias is! haha

[demaro]

Welcome to the group Steve !!

[EdwinJ]

Hi Steve,

Good to hear you will be coming aboard! You will be in for a lot of fun, and better shaves than you have ever experienced before.

... Most of the converts on here seem to be going from cartridges to DE razors and/or at least have some experience with wet shaving. I've never actually held a razor in my hand before, not even a Bic disposable! ....

That also has some advantages. When coming from cartridge razors one tends to push down too hard while using a DE. Since you are new to wet shaving altogether, you can adapt the right technique to start with.

On finding the blade, you are doing the right thing in ordering a sampler. Ask three wet shavers about the perfect blade and you will hear four different opinions. That's how we are. ;) The rest of your selected equipment sounds perfectly fine as well.

As additional motivation, let me point to this http://i.imgur.com/pfhuX.png microscopic image I came across today, comparing whiskers cut off by an electric razor as opposed to a wet razor. It did impress me.

Thanks for joining -- and have fun! :)

[gash]

Welcome to B&B.

My thoughts and suggestions regarding your choice of equipment:

The EJ 89L is delightful and a top-quality razor. An excellent choice for anyone.

If you already have Body Shop cream, you wouldn't gain much by trying Proraso. Try a top-notch cream or soap, instead. Proraso is decent, but higher-quality stuff will amaze you. I'd suggest Acca Kappa 1869 cream (in the tub, NOT the tube - two different formulae) or any of the RazoRock products.

Try the MVP blade sample pack from BullGoose Shaving, instead. It has a little more of what you need, and less of what you don't.

Ironically, high-quality equipment will quickly help you understand that technique is more important than equipment. Make sure you read the tutorials and practice the techniques.

Finally, don't worry. You can do it, and it isn't very difficult. Just go slowly and focus on comfort, not closeness. If you do that, the closeness will come.

[lukeoke]

That's a fantastic image. Paints a fairly clear image to why there is all that irritation and ingrown hairs when using an electric razor.

[Smott]

@demaro: Pleased to meet you.

@EdwinJ: Good to hear that my inexperience may be beneficial in some small way. Thanks for sharing that image—I had to show SWMBO as a way of rallying support for my cause. :) And thanks for the warm welcome.

@gash: Thanks for the evaluation and recommendations—your time is appreciated. I think I will hold off on the Poraso for now, and instead was thinking about getting some Speick AS lotion.


Having never used aftershave before, is it a critical part of shaving? I live in Utah and it's pretty dry here. Would Speick AS lotion be worth the investment?

[gash]

I haven't used Speick aftershave before, but in general, aftershave can be very helpful in reducing irritation. You may want to start with something that's alcohol-free, although quite a few people love the alcohol burn. If your technique is decent, you probably won't get any burning. There's a ton of aftershave-related information on B&B, so have fun with it.

[Snargle]

Having never used aftershave before, is it a critical part of shaving? I live in Utah and it's pretty dry here. Would Speick AS lotion be worth the investment?

Welcome to B&B and the brotherhood/sisterhood of wet shaving bliss!

Speick AS Lotion is excellent stuff, but it's an alcohol-based product and may be somewhat drying to your skin. It sounds like you might benefit more from a moisturizing aftershave balm, such as Nivea. It's readily available in most drug stores/super markets and works very well to soothe and comfort your face after a less-than perfect shave. Once you're getting comfortable shaves with minimal irritation, you can give the alcohol-based after shaves a try. There are literally hundreds of choices, from inexpensive Old Spice and Aqua Velva, to megabuck European imports. Trying a variety of shaving products is a significant part of the fun. Don't be surprised if you soon find yourself afflicted with a variety of ADs (acquisition disorders)!