General Recommendation Request

[jbasl]

So I've already posted some specific questions elsewhere but I thought this might be the appropriate place to ask if anyone has some recommendations that I could make to my current rig for little cost that would make a noticeable difference. Below is my rig and general shaving approach.

For reference I have moderately sensitive skin. I can shave against the grain every third day or so with little to no irriration, but every day against the grain causes irrirtation. My skin is neither too dry nor too oily though tends towards oily if it tends anywhere. I usually do three shaving passes (1 with grain, one cross, and then touchups and twice per week against the grain).

Rig

Merkur Hefty Classic
Merker Blades
Crabtree and Evelyn Best Badger Brush
Taylor of O. B. S Shave Cream (lavendar)
Truefitt and Hill A/S Balm (Indian Lime)

[htownmmm]

pm LetterK for a sampler pack of blades-they will make the largest difference for the least cost.

Welcome to B & B.


Marty

[mrob]

Looks like a great set up.

A cheap, easy and great addition to your rig would be some Thayers Witch Hazel. I have the lavender and its the only part of my routine that doesn't change from shave to shave. Just pour a bit into a plastic spray bottle, and spritz a bit on your face after your cold water splash at the end of the shave and before you apply any after shave.

Try it and let us know what you think.

[jbasl]

What does the witch hazel do and where is a good place to order it from?

[Kyle]

If you are looking for some different shave creams or soaps there are many affordable options available. You could, of course, check out Scotto's shave cream sampler. Also, you may want to begin visiting health food stores in your area. Typically you will be able to find Tom's of Maine and Kiss My Face shaving creams. Additionally, Palmolive shave cream can be a fun product. Any way you go, you definitely need to swing by a Target and pick up the entire Proraso line.

[rtaylor61]

I'll probably get stoned for this (meaning rocks thrown at me), but stop by Wal Mart and pick up a bottle of Shave Secret, and use it as a pre-shave oil. Apply before each pass. I evaluated several different products, and this actually made a difference. However, be prepared to wash your hands with soap between passes as Shave Secret will leave your hands "greasy". It's between $3-4 bucks a bottle, and worth a try.

Randy

[jbasl]

Thanks for the tips. Wal-mart is a hike with no car, but I'll stop by target for the proraso products. I actually don't mind spending extra money on creams because they feel better on my face that the stuff I can get at walgreen's and the tub actually lasts much longer so I think the value is there. When I said relatively low cost I meant I'm not in a position to upgrade to a 200 dollar brush and vision razor. I mention this so nobody hesitates to recommend a product that is a bit pricey. As long as it lasts a long time and gives good results I consider it a worthwhile investment. Besides I'm starting to realize I've gotten myself into a potentially expensive habit.

[mrob]

You can get the Thayers at many health food stores and natural groceries, GNC, etc.

[rtaylor61]

jbasl (do you have a first name?),

If getting to Wal Mart is an issue, definitely pick up the Proraso Pre-Shave Cream. Small jar, but will last for some time. Use it both pre and post shave. Not as slick as Shave Secret, but definitely a keeper! And cooling during the heatwave!

Randy

[Kyle]

I'll probably get stoned for this (meaning rocks thrown at me), but stop by Wal Mart and pick up a bottle of Shave Secret, and use it as a pre-shave oil. Apply before each pass. I evaluated several different products, and this actually made a difference. However, be prepared to wash your hands with soap between passes as Shave Secret will leave your hands "greasy". It's between $3-4 bucks a bottle, and worth a try.

Randy

Is that the stuff located between the feminine products and the finger condoms?

[htownmmm]

As long as it lasts a long time and gives good results I consider it a worthwhile investment. Besides I'm starting to realize I've gotten myself into a potentially expensive habit.

Resistance is futile- you will be assimilated!



Marty

[rtaylor61]

Kyle,

No. At Wal Mart, it is located with the King of Shaves items.

Randy

[jbasl]

First name, right I usually sign posts. Bad manners, sorry. John.

Do you guys know of any shops in the boston area (besides colonial) that sell shave products from the usual suspects (Taylor, Coates, Trumper..). Also an online store that sells these items at a good price so I can smell them in person then order them at more moderate price (I've already bookmarked classicshaving.com and quedusa).

Also, as I posted in the a/s forum, is there any avocado scented aftershave or cologne that is close the cream scent of Taylors avocado?

Thanks again,

John

[deadgoon]

I have a suggestion that will cost exactly ZERO dollars.

First, forget that "against the grain" stuff and download this PDF file: http://www.enchanteonline.com/pages/...ttingforms.pdf

Study the diagrams. These are shaving forms. Each form represents a pass. Simply shave in the directions indicated on the diagrams. Do a fourth "free form" pass to clean up. Use short, swift, and light strokes. My rash was on my neck in lower Q3 and Q4 on the diagrams. Starting out I have been doing one North/South pass over that area to reduce irritation. Today I upped it to 2 passes and no irritaion.

[jbasl]

OK, I'll consider that. However, shouldn't the passes depend on the direction of hair growth and what your face can handle? I'll give it a try in my quest for bbs.

[roughrider]

If you have a C&E store or The Body Shop store near you, stop by and get some samples of their shave creams and a/s balms.

[deadgoon]

However, shouldn't the passes depend on the direction of hair growth and what your face can handle?

Nope, it doesn't matter. What DOES matter is that your face is wet enough to allow the blade to glide. If it's not wet enough.. well, you'll know pretty quickly.

I use CAR's Hydrolast products which are designed with exactly these forms in mind. I haven't tried using the forms with other products, but I assume they work as long as there is a sufficient amount of water present to allow the blade to glide across the top of your skin. Others on here might have more experience than me in that regard.

[boboakalfb]

I second the blade sampler pack...I have found that the Derbys work better for me then the Merkurs....and for the price of 30 Merkurs you can get 100 Derbys..so thats a no brainer.

Other than that you have a pretty solid set of equipment. You will find you don't really NEED anything else...but you will WANT a new brush...new razors...creams...soaps...balms...colognes.

[moses]

Definitely the sample pack.

Also, I notice you have only one shaving cream (unless you have picked up some proraso yet). This is unacceptable. Seriously though, I doubt adding any others will improve your shave - there is much argument about which is best, but it is widely held that Taylors is very hard to beat. That said, variety is the spice of life. You should try some soaps. The great thing about handmade gylcerin soaps (other than a great shave, and terrific aromas), it that they are so cheap, it is easy to get a bunch of different flavors. I highly recommend QED, but I have not tried SCS or Mama Bear yet, which many others seem to like equally as well. I suspect you can't go wrong with any of the three.

[Jonnybc]

Also, I notice you have only one shaving cream (unless you have picked up some proraso yet). This is unacceptable.

Moses, you certainly have entered into the spirit of things!