Looking forward to a new shave!

**benchasebrown** · 08-07-2012, 07:05 PM

I started researching shaving this morning which lead my to this forum and shaving with the safety razor. I liked what I read and went out and bought a Merkur DE razor today. For years I have had really bad irritation on my neck from shaving. Can't wait for my first shave with it in the morning. I hope to see much less neck irritation in the coming weeks as I adjust to shaving in a better way.

**Nick Danger** · 08-07-2012, 07:49 PM

Welcome to B&B!

Did you get some blades, too? I don't have a Merkur, but I've seen people posting about the sample blade that comes with Merkur razors not being great. Wouldn't want your first experience to be a painful one.

This forum is a great place to learn about wet shaving. There are a lot of very knowledgeable folks here. And lots of guys like me, who are enthusiastic newbies only a month or two ahead of you in our own learning curves.

Nick

**Agravic** · 08-07-2012, 08:35 PM

Welcome to B+B!

**Dennard** · 08-07-2012, 09:18 PM

Welcome to the forum!

**Joe_Karp** · 08-07-2012, 09:32 PM

Welcome to the Forum. The Merkur is a fine razor, although we don't know what model you bought, hopefully a Progress - my favorite. Start on the lowest setting and slowly move up the adjustment scale. I don't mind the merkur blade that came with mine, still shaves well after a couple of weeks in the rotation. Have fun and be safe with your new razor!

**duck dive steve** · 08-07-2012, 11:20 PM

Welcome to B&B. What brush and soap are you using? Let us know how you get on.

**sparco** · 08-08-2012, 03:28 AM

Welcome to the group. Have fun and enjoy.

**El-a-Menthol** · 08-08-2012, 03:52 AM

Welcome!
Make sure to watch these video's at least once, they are famous for a reason!
WATCH THESE FIRST! Introduction to Traditional Wetshaving

**deruitem** · 08-08-2012, 04:31 AM

Welcome!

**ackvil** · 08-08-2012, 04:43 AM

Welcome to B&B.

If you haven't already done so, take a look at this post. It will answer many of your questions.

**Sledgehammer39** · 08-08-2012, 06:00 AM

Welcome Aboard!

**Nick Danger** · 08-08-2012, 09:09 AM

How did the first shave go?

And please don't be put off by my concerns about Merkur sample blades. As you've probably read by now, wet shaving is entirely a "your mileage may vary" kind of experience. One man's samurai sword is another man's butter knife when it comes to blades.

Nick

**NickCutlip** · 08-08-2012, 12:03 PM

Welcome to B&B !!

**Schaap** · 08-08-2012, 12:06 PM

Welcome! I hope you enjoy your new razor!

**Pat.G.Boisvert** · 08-08-2012, 12:55 PM

Welcome to B&B. There are lots of good info here and tips-o-plenty!~ My personaly fav tip is learn the growth patern of your beard! Shave with the grain and you will reduce irritation, ingrown hairs and, razor bumbs. Straights and DE razors have saved me from much regular cartridge razor pain.

**webflunkie** · 08-08-2012, 06:35 PM

Welcome to B+B. I came across the forum with the same problem. And honestly although my shaves did not immediately improve the razor burn or irritation I was getting on my neck, I found that improved technique resolved the issue.
Make sure to work on Lather, Pressure, and Blade Angle and you'll do fine.

**benchasebrown** · 08-08-2012, 08:21 PM

Thanks everyone. I had my first shave this morning and it went great. I really enjoyed the experience. I noticed an immediate improvement with the condition of my skin, especially around my neck. 16+ hours since my first shave and I don't notice any ingrown hairs or irritation. With cartridges or my electric razor, the irritation was instant, and the ingrown hairs quickly followed.

In response to your questions...
I bought the Merkur 23C Long Handled DE razor
Merkur blades
Col. Conk Amber shave soap
and I'm using a "Shea Moisture" brand badger hair brush