Newbie seeks perfect shave

**harleyrkc** · 07-21-2012, 06:16 PM

Hello all, figured I should check in. I've already found West Coast Shaving and bought a kit. I started out with a Merkur 34C, Mitchells soap, with an old Ever Ready badger brush, and my fathers old Old Spice mug. I tried the Merker blade that came with the razor but found it to be like trying shave with a rusty spoon. I'm currently trying the Feathers that came in a sampler and oddly I kinda feel like they're to sharp the first time, and perfect the second two times. Am I losing my mind on the too sharp the first time?

**sychodelix** · 07-21-2012, 07:22 PM

Feathers are very sharp. Very good blades though. Many different blades are easier after the second shave, and then some are worthless after a shave or two.

**Lamar** · 07-21-2012, 07:41 PM

Welcome to B&B! Never tried Feathers, though they are my to try list. My first razor was/is a Merkur and I tried the Merkur blade it came with also and wasn't pleased with the irritation. Currently using some Wilkinson Sword that I picked up at Walmart. Seems better but still not sharp as I'd like.

**webflunkie** · 07-21-2012, 09:02 PM

Originally Posted by Lamar

My first razor was/is a Merkur and I tried the Merkur blade it came with also and wasn't pleased with the irritation. Currently using some Wilkinson Sword that I picked up at Walmart.

I had the same experience with the blades that came with the razor. Been shaving with a 34C for nearly 2 years, I've not tried Feathers either, but use the Wilkinson Sword blades.

**Sledgehammer39** · 07-21-2012, 09:54 PM

Welcome Aboard!

**goatee** · 07-21-2012, 09:57 PM

no such thing as "too sharp". it's your technique. slow down, and use little to no pressure. thats what second passes are for.

**ricardo9505** · 07-21-2012, 10:00 PM

drag those feathers (like stropping a straight edge) across jeans a few times, like 5, to dull teh blade a bit. feathers are samurai blades. lol!
I love Crystal blades. cheap, very sharp, israeli, and a notch below feather but much sharper than many I have tried.
welcome and have fun shaving. remember that this site has tons of info to research on and you will learn much. What you don;t know now will amaze you in a few months.

**Whilliam** · 07-22-2012, 12:41 AM

Welcome. Learn. Enjoy!

**sparco** · 07-22-2012, 01:45 AM

Originally Posted by goatee

no such thing as "too sharp". it's your technique. slow down, and use little to no pressure. thats what second passes are for.

+1

Welcome to Badger and blade!

**Sqratch** · 07-22-2012, 06:01 AM

Well if your looking for a perfect shave you came to the right place. Welcome!

Have you tried Astra sp or gillette super thins yet? Those are nice ans smooth but not too sharp.

If you shoot me your address I can get some out to you.

**mistervee123** · 07-22-2012, 06:20 AM

Ahh, our newest wet shaving acolyte, remember the words of The Great Shaving Master: "the fulfillment often resides in the journey itself, especially when they journey's end is perfection."

--quoted from the collected quotes of the much quoted, quote worthy wisdom of The Shaving Master

Great kit to start with, BTW! Welcome!

**Agravic** · 07-22-2012, 07:06 AM

Welcome to B+B!

**harleyrkc** · 07-22-2012, 10:24 AM

Sqratch thanks for the offer, I just ordered the Gillette Super Thins yesterday along with some Gillette Super Blues to try. I think I already have the Astra's sitting in a sampler that I haven't made it through yet.

Todays trial and error was starting out with a Crystals Super Platinum and missing a spot. The Crystal was smooth though I'm questioning whether it was sharp enough, then I got in the shower and found the spot I missed while washing my face. Without thinking I rubbed some soap on it and grabbed for my old 5 blade Fusion..... OUCH! You guys could've told me theres no going back.