A New Experience

[kid sampson]

After a long week of expectation, I finally got my first DE and shaving supplies by mail today. My first shave went well, although the next time I shave I'm going to focus on my jawline, and thereafter my chin. Everything else feels so smooth and clean. Slow and steady, and eventually I'll get the hang of this. I probably spent a good 45 minutes this morning making sure I did everything as slowly and deliberately as possible this first time, taking the advice that many have posted on the threads here in the forum. For the first time, my neck isn't red and burning following a shave. Hallelujah!

Still, I wanted to ask a few questions regarding product use and maintenance. The first is about the brush; mine is a Vulfix Pure Badger. When preparing the brush for lathering, is it better to soak the brush or simply run it under water? Secondly, when drying the brush afterwards, should I simply turn it on its end after shaking it out, or does it need special maintenance?

I also have a question regarding creams. Do most members swirl the brush into the tub itself, or should one remove a portion of the cream for each use? I noticed that when I used it with the tub directly, it added water that remained behind. If cream is to be removed, should I put it in a bowl or put it directly on the brush? Also, what should I use to remove it and what amount? My tub also came with a plastic liner on top; can this be discarded?

As an after-shave balm, I use Taylor's skin food. If others use this, how long does it typically last? How much should one use. Seeing as these are luxury products (to me at least), I want to make sure that I'm frugal with them and that much isn't going to waste.

And finally, as for my DE, will it hurt if I just rest it on its side, seeing as I've yet to buy a stand, or is there a better way to store it?

Thanks for the advice.

[jmhUT]

Hello Sampson and welcome. Your conservative approach is very sage, not all of us made the conversion this way and I can tell you there is a price to be paid for getting too aggressive too soon. Your questions will be answered differently as personal preference plays a large role in wetshaving. FWIW here is my take:

Brush: I get better results if I soak my brush and then flick out all excess water. This usually results in a little too much water being removed but it is quite easy to add a few drops while making lather. Soaking is fine too, just make sure you allow enough time for the water to absorb into the bristles. After shaving I wring out the excess cream, rinse it out well and give it a few hard flicks to get most of the water out. I then return the brush to its stand to dry. Leaving the brush on its end to dry is fine too. Others take a little more care in drying their brushes as I'm sure you will see.

Cream: I suspect we are split pretty evenly regarding to swirl in the tub or place cream directly in the bowl (or on the brush, same results really). I prefer not to swirl for the reason you mentioned but many of the veterans prefer the swirl and can do it without leaving water in the tub. I suspect this method uses less cream also. When removing cream from the tub I just use my fingertip and grab an almond sized blob. The liner is meant to keep the container airtight so the cream will last longer. There is no reason to discard it unless it annoys you, in which case go ahead and get rid of it. Just don't plan on keeping the cream for years if you do (I don't know that most of us do unless we are hoarding something that has been discontinued or we scored a good sale).

As with the brush, stands are nice but not required. I have several razors that all rest on their sides. I leave my daily use razor in my mixing bowl on the counter. I have a stand for it that I would use if I had more counter space.
Cheers,
Jeff

[jmhUT]

I missed the bit about the A/S balm. This is the most subjective part of wetshaving IMO and the area you are likely to get the greatest differing of opinions. I use Thayer's alcohol free witch hazel, then aloe if I have any irritaiton and finally a thin coat of Cetaphil lotion as a moisturizer. You will not need a moisturizer if you live in a humid climate. The skin foods are very popular but alas, not the right product for me. You only need a couple drops so it should last a great while. Unfortunately there really isn't a way to know which A/S treatment will be ideal for you until you try several. It's a pretty enjoyable exercise investigating the alternatives though.
Cheers,
Jeff

[Scotto]

Glad you found B&B. I like to soak my brush while I am showering. This ensures it gets nice and full of water. Then I give it a brief refresh in hot water, flick, and go.

I used to be a swirler back in the day, now I grab some from the tub. I think this is better for new folks since you get a sense of how much cream you need, and it is easier to be consistent. After use, squeeze the water out of the brush, flick it hard, and then put it down on its base. You don't need a stand for it (unless you like the looks). Same story for the razor, just put it down on its side and it will be fine.

That plastic thingie in the tub is just there for transport. I toss mine after I get the cream - it does nothing.

I assume you mean Trumpers skin food. It takes very little of this to be effective, and too much can leave you face feeling tacky. I apply a pea sized amount to a wet face and work it around.

Hope this helps. Feel free to ask questions.

[ouch]

There are lots of folks who dip their soaking wet brush into the tub and give it a swirl. They're hopeless barbarians.

As for the skin food (Trumpers), less is more. I usually use three drops. If my face is very damp, I can get by with two drops.

Being frugal is a good idea, since all of this crap is going to run you a fortune.

Welcome aboard, and if you need anything, don't be afraid to ask.

[kid sampson]

Not sure I bought the same product everyone is referring to in regards to the skin food. From the replies, it seems that the Trumper's brand is a liquid; is that correct? What I have is more like a cream in a 30 ml tub, and on the top it says Taylor of Old Bond Street, but it also says on the label that it's intended for use at night.

[misterjoshua]

I use the Taylor's brand of skin food as recommended, at night -- I use the Trumper's post-shave. Actually, post A/S splash, iaw the suggestions I got here.

The Taylor's, at the rate I'm using it, seems like it should last for 2-3 months... seems like a helpful product to me.

Cheers,

Josh