I wish someone had taught me this years ago

[robertw]

Most of my life I've used an electric razor. The first time I used a cartridge razor was the sensor line. I remember chewing my face up so badly I stopped using it and went back to the electric. Granted, I was never shown how to shave. I saw the guys on the commercials doing it and just assumed that's how it works. Problem was, the electric never did a good job and the cartridge razors just ate my skin up. For the longest time I thought I had really bad acne on my neck. It was my wife who told me about razor burn.
After that, just got used to the electric. Really, I didn't like the results, but it was better then ripping my neck up.
However, about a month ago, I saw a lifehacker article talking about using a safety razor.
http://artofmanliness.com/2008/01/04...-your-grandpa/ It was then that I found this site and the mantic59 youtube videos.

Talk about enlightment! I started watching how just about everything I had been doing was wrong. Really wrong! The mantic videos really pointed me in a good direction. I had some amazon gift card money from Christmas. So, I bought a Merkur Progress razor and an Omega brush. When everything arrived, I realized I shouldn't mess with the adjustments on the razor too much. Even though I had watched all the videos, and read articles saying not to do it, I pressed too hard and turned my face into ground hamburger. I gave it a day then tried again. I couldn't believe how nice a shave could be! Granted it took alot more time then I'm used to, but the shave is close. Not BBS (I hope that's baby butt smooth) :D but much much better then anything I ever got with the razor.

It's funny because I used to hate shaving in the morning, but now I find myself actually looking forward to it. Weird huh?!

Sorry for such a wordy hello, but I just wanted to tell about my first time shaving with a razor and technique that works. This is a great site. All the people posting really seeem to be friendly and helpful.

Robert

[northmendo]

Welcome to the cult. Soon you will have acquisition disorder like the rest of us.

[robertw]

I'm starting to see that! Spending time in here for me is like walking through a camera store, I'm not getting out without spending a small fortune in stuff.

[northmendo]

Very true. Just don't go on ebay. Thanks when you just can't hold back anymore. I Bought 4 razors last week alone.

[navy_shave]

It's funny because I used to hate shaving in the morning, but now I find myself actually looking forward to it. Weird huh?!

Welcome, Robert!
Yes, looking forward to the morning shave is weird--and wonderful! Enjoy the journey. . .

[crankymoose]

Welcome to B&B enjoy

[Mr. Gillette]

Great story...good insights. Keep practicing, and whatever you do...

GIVE IN to Razor Acquisition Disorder when it bites!

Welcome!

[crichton]

Welcome to B&B!!!

[Shave Cat]

Welcome, Robert. No one taught me how to shave properly either. Much of the shaving technique discussed here, I also discovered for myself through trial and error over the years. I switched to De shaving about three months ago. It's been great! Enjoy your stay!

-Clarke

[Mr Mockett]

It's funny when you think about it. I can't remember if my dad "showed" my how to shave. I don't think he did, except maybe once. I think it was with Sensor excel cartridges, and colgate inna can.

[Prince]

It's funny when you think about it. I can't remember if my dad "showed" my how to shave. I don't think he did, except maybe once. I think it was with Sensor excel cartridges, and colgate inna can.

I just picked it up one day and started hacking away. I think alot of us wish we'd found out about this sooner.

Welcome to the club.

[Roman414]

Welcome aboard, Robertw. You got some pretty good gear there. I suggest a blade sampler pack from westcoastshaving. Nice people to do business with. Me, I have learned to stay away from Ebay late at night...that is when my resistance seems to be weakest.

[cactusbrush]

Welcome to the board Rdub;

Better late than never getting into wetshaving. You have a good start with good equipment. Post often.

BobS

[BMWRider]

Welcome to B&B. I think we have all experienced your wish.

[BroJohn]

Robert --

I shaved with a DE from '64 to '73 and then moved to the then-new cartridge razors. I then spent the next 33 years using about every cartridge 'system' and Electric that came along. Over the years, I just got used to lousy shaves. It came down to electrics (that wouldn't cleanly shave my neck/throat) and cartridges (that irritated my neck/throat and wouldn't cleanly shave my muzzle/chin).

Finding the shaving sites led me to understand that when I used the DE back in the '60s, I really didn't know what I was doing. The fine folks here guided me along and when I returned to the DE, I found it was like riding a bike --I quickly adjusted to the DE and embraced many new-found techniques.

I don't embrace the DE because of any 'Zen' or because it's 'cheaper' (riiiight...), but because I realize I wasted 33 years getting lousy shaves.

I sure wish I had those years back. I wish you the best of luck and good shaves.

-- John Gehman

[Ookla The Mok]

I was much like you. I was a lousy shaver. I alternated between an electric and dry shaving with a Mach3. I was such a lousy shaver I kept an Abe Lincoln style beard for years. I'm sure there's a name for such a beard, but I have no idea what that name is.

One day I decide to buy a burma brush and a puck of williams and give the old fashioned way a run. I no longer have a beard and I can't seem to stop buying shaving items. Welcome to the club, I look forward to pics of your ridiculous shave den soon.

[htownmmm]

Welcome home!

It's funny, I realized long ago that watching shaving commercials and imitating them would lead to horrible shaves. Basically, there is no way they have an actual blade in those razors-I just won't believe it. No real man,ie,non-idiot will even think about taking a sharp object across his face in that fashion.

At least now you have found the proper way with the proper equipment.


Marty