Hello from Connecticut!

**Shantytownbrown** · 08-02-2012, 03:06 AM

been lurking here and around the Net trying to learn about Double Edge Razor shaving.

I was drawn here and to the subject in general in an article I happened across a few months ago.

I want to give DE shaving a try for several reasons:
1. I want a great shave!
2. I am trying to decrease the presence of plastic in my life, and disposable razors seem like such a waste.
3.I am a sucker for the great packaging of the creams/soaps and other apothocary type items associated with wet shaving
4. I like the fact that most of the above items dont contain the harsh chemicals that most "commercial" products do

I have been cartridge shaving my whole life (now 43) with mainly Gillette products, starting with Atra (or was it Trac II?) and now using Mach 3...

I currently shave in the shower and use hand applied Body Shop Maca Root cream, I have used Body Shop cream for almost 20 years now (this and the old incarnation of the product) and find it gives me the absolute best shave for the method i am using.

My plan (so far):

is 1.to buy a DE Razor (been thinking edwin Jaeger DE89, Barley Chrome), razor sampler pack, brush and Proraso red cream, and a stand.
2.shave at the sink after my shower at the sink
3.and face lather with a brush

oh if important, I have a partial beard, (goatee/moustache with connected thin sideburns/chinstrap, is there a name for this?) I keep this trimmed very short regularly, so shaving is for my cheeks and neck (up to my jawbone) only.

this after much research around the net and especially here!.

I am trying not to break the bank with my first purchase.

so a question or two:
hows my plan sound? what am i forgetting, major tips? (i have been studying all your FAQs)
best place to purchase? seems like so many reliable internet options
need some brush help, this has me most confused, and dont want to drop more than 10-30$us on this part of the package
(btw.I research everything to death usually when starting something new before jumping on board!)

will be back to check in, but in the mean time, thanks!

Scott
near Norwalk CT

**Sledgehammer39** · 08-02-2012, 04:55 AM

Welcome Aboard, Scott!!

**MrDentini** · 08-02-2012, 05:03 AM

welcome and... launch yourself into it without thinking too much. you won't regret it. your bank account will never be the same :D

**demaro** · 08-02-2012, 05:40 AM

Welcome to the group Scott !!

**Agravic** · 08-02-2012, 05:48 AM

Welcome to B+B!

You are well prepared for wetshaving.
There are a plethora of good vendors on the internet, many of which you will read about in posts here (BullGoose, WCS, RoyalShave, shave.ie, etc)
I think the EJ 89l is an excellent choice for a first razor - it is fairly inexpensive, forgiving in nature, and has allowed me to enjoy the experience.
As a fellow newbie, I am not very well versed in terms of brushes; seems to be more subjective thus difficult to get a grasp on so to speak. My first brush was an EJ best badger medium brush bought off Amazon for app.$30-40

**Shantytownbrown** · 08-02-2012, 09:47 AM

is there a best brush/cream/face lather combo in my price range?

**Marco** · 08-02-2012, 10:18 AM

Scott, your enthusiasm is exactly what we want to see here, welcome aboard! The best place where to buy? Give a look at B&B's supporting Vendors and all the great stuff they carry. I'd start with low cost/high quality stuff (yes, it is absolutely possible!). For further help or info, just ask mate.

**NickCutlip** · 08-02-2012, 10:54 AM

Welcome to the forum !!

**AJ4VS** · 08-02-2012, 12:47 PM

Welcome aboard

**dpmtherrien** · 08-02-2012, 02:56 PM

Hello to you, and welcome.

**Shantytownbrown** · 08-02-2012, 04:39 PM

thank you, Gentleman! you know how to make someone feel quite welcome. Looks like I have some shopping and spending to do....!
I will try to check in periodically as purchases are made and products arrive and experiences are had.

Scott

**Robert45** · 08-02-2012, 07:23 PM

Welcome. I think your choice of razor, a blade sampler and cream etc are well thought out. Another favorite razor of mine, besides my EJ, is made by Weber (US made-stainless steel) which I think provides a little less aggressive or milder shave. But it is more expensive than the EJ.

There are a number of established vendors all of which provide superior customer service. The ones I've used (in alphabetical order) are: BullGoose; Razor Blades and More; West Coast Shaving, and there are many more. Part of the fun of this past time is "window shopping" across the internet.

**Shantytownbrown** · 08-03-2012, 02:38 PM

Order placed today, I went with royalshave.com, got 10% off entire order using your code (thanx!)
got:
EJ DE89 Barley Chrome
30degree S3 stand
Vulfix VS/5 brush (pure bristle)
proraso red in a tube
block of Osma alum
Feather used razor "safe"
pack of 55 variety blades

shipped late this afternoon!

looking forward to my first "retro" shave

Scott

**Tillerman7** · 08-03-2012, 04:40 PM

Hello and welcome.

**Whilliam** · 08-04-2012, 01:31 AM

Welcome. Learn. Enjoy!

**Shantytownbrown** · 08-04-2012, 09:40 AM

update...havent even received my new razor, and already bought another shave cream! have: Body Shop Maca Root (been my goto since the first incarnation); bought a tube of Proraso red with my order above, and was at the mall today, and swung into BathBodyWorks and grabbed a tube of Bigelow Eucalyptus...

has "it" already started...?
i am in trouble....

arent I?

scott