A First Time for Everything...

**Brewshooter** · 07-29-2012, 04:51 PM

Been an electric shaver for almost 25 years and decided to try something new. Still waiting on my DE razor, but I also picked up a Dovo Shavette. So, today, I tried it for the first time. I've been watching the Mantic59 videos to get some ideas on technique. I have a couple of soaps to try, but decided to give the basic Williams Mug a go with the cheap VDH boar brush from CVS. I've heard mixed reviews of Williams and the brush. I figure, if I can have ANY success with that setup, I should be good to go. Didn't get the Williams to lather as well as I would have liked, but better than I expected actually. One small nick on my chin with the straight blade and could have gotten closer around the chin line and on the neck, but it's probably at least 80% of what I could do with an electric. Pretty happy for my first try. My DE is scheduled to arrive tomorrow, can't wait!

**Dennard** · 07-29-2012, 05:16 PM

Welcome! What DE razor did you order?

**Rivguy** · 07-29-2012, 05:33 PM

Welcome to B&B Brewshooter! You are in the right place to get the most out of your shaves...and, perhaps your wallet.

Regards,

Doug

**Brewshooter** · 07-29-2012, 05:45 PM

Originally Posted by Dennard

Welcome! What DE razor did you order?

The Merkur Long Handle. I believe that's the 180 model, but I'm not familiar enough to be sure.

Originally Posted by Rivguy

Welcome to B&B Brewshooter! You are in the right place to get the most out of your shaves...and, perhaps your wallet.

Regards,

Doug

Yeah, just another place to burn cash. I've already picked up a number of the more popular name soaps I've been reading about and a number of post shave products to try out. I put a little on after the shave and my wife asked, "Are you wearing something different?"

"Yes, yes I am!"

**Sledgehammer39** · 07-29-2012, 06:23 PM

Welcome Aboard!

**goatee** · 07-29-2012, 08:13 PM

welcome aboard!!

**Mike_P** · 07-29-2012, 08:53 PM

Welcome to B&B!

**Whilliam** · 07-30-2012, 12:08 AM

Welcome. Learn. Enjoy!

**Marco** · 07-30-2012, 12:38 AM

Welcome to B&B and congrats on switching to wet shaving!

**Pipe Novelist** · 07-30-2012, 01:06 AM

So you're a newbie, my fellow Pipes Magazine brother!

In any case, welcome to B&B! As far as a Merkur, I have heard a lot of good things about them and I have two of them in the mail myself, the 1904 model in both the open and closed comb styles. I have been shaving with an Edwin Jagger DE89, which is a beautiful piece of cutting machinery that makes quick work of my stubble. I have also been using that same VDH boar brush with some success, don't discount it as a cheapy, no good brush, but I prefer the badger that I got from an incredibly generous forum member. Remember that DE shaving takes a lot of practice, I have been doing it for about 2 weeks now and I am just getting to the point that I am getting a clean, comfortable shave with just two passes. Any questions just hit us up man. Good to see you!

**Giant Kiwi** · 07-30-2012, 01:21 AM

Welcome,
The dovo shavette can be a handy tool.
Wait till the straight bug bites you

**rancurt2** · 07-30-2012, 02:26 AM

Welcome to B&B! If you were looking for a place to burn cash you have definitely succeeded! Sounds like you're off to a good start.

**InfernoOrangeSS** · 07-30-2012, 02:39 AM

Welcome to B&B! I can not begin to express how great this place has been! I have absorbed in the few weeks I have been here so much experience from the friendly and knowledgeable people here. It is a gold mine of information and help!

**NickCutlip** · 07-30-2012, 06:45 AM

Welcome to B&B !!

**Brewshooter** · 07-30-2012, 09:04 AM

Thanks for the welcome folks! Hello again Pipe Novelist!

My razor and a few other supplies should be arriving later today. I'll probably test it out this evening and see how it goes. I was pretty nervous holding that bare Shavette blade right against my face, but did a lot better than I thought I would.

**mrgreengenes** · 07-30-2012, 09:32 AM

Welcome!!

**Brewshooter** · 07-30-2012, 09:28 PM

Wow, my Merkur showed up today along with Tabac, Arko and a few other items I've been reading about. By the way, count me in the LOVE the smell of Tabac and Arko camp. I put the new razor to the test this evening and an even better shave then the Shavette. Much easier to control at this stage. Still need to work on the chin line and neck, but significantly better than I did with the straight. I would say my face is at least as smooth as my best days were with the electric. This with only two WTG passes. Plus, I got to try out my new tube of Proraso, nice stuff, and easier to lather than the Williams soap. I also tried out the Lucky Tiger aftershave, which seemed appropriate for night time as the scent seemed really mild. I'm hooked already!