Well, here are my thoughts after my first month of traditional wet shaving. I bought a Merkur 38HD, a sample blade pack, a tub of Proraso white, a tube of Kiss My Face Mint shave cream, Semogue 1305 boar brush, Thayer's Lavender Witch Hazel and a bottle of Nivea Sensitive Skin balm. I've been experimenting back and forth with various methods. After a "bloody" first week of almost giving up, they shaves have vastly improved.
After my first couple of frustrating weeks, I went back to my mach 3 for a couple of days to heal. I think I now have my prep and shave down, but there's still room for improvement. So, without further ado, here it goes. While in a hot shower and after washing my face, I rub a little of the KMF cream on my beard and let it sit while I finish my shower, and rinse when I'm finished. Then, I've been using a little Shave Secret oil from Walmart and mix the KMF and proraso and lather in a bowl and proceed with my shave.Thus far, I've really enjoyed the Astra blades. I'm still a little scared to try the Feathers yet. After a cold rinse, I apply the witch hazel, let it dry, then apply the Nivea, let it dry then apply a moisturizer with a little SPF. Wow! What a difference this has all made.
However, I must confess. On those morning when I've hit the snooze one too many times, I've done the same procedure with my Mach3 (GASP!!!) And, here are my thoughts, and y'all are free to disagree. I believe in my case that both the Merkur and Mach 3 give fantastic shaves. To be honest I sometimes use the mach3 in the shower and can get equally good results with it, but for me the real and only differences are 1, the cost, and 2, the pleasure of taking my time and enjoying the experience.
I'm sure I'll keep the Mach 3 for those occasional quick shaves, but I'm really glad I've stuck with the Merkur. I hope this is of some help for you guys that are about to give up. It gets better, much better after some time, patience and a little practice.
After my first couple of frustrating weeks, I went back to my mach 3 for a couple of days to heal. I think I now have my prep and shave down, but there's still room for improvement. So, without further ado, here it goes. While in a hot shower and after washing my face, I rub a little of the KMF cream on my beard and let it sit while I finish my shower, and rinse when I'm finished. Then, I've been using a little Shave Secret oil from Walmart and mix the KMF and proraso and lather in a bowl and proceed with my shave.Thus far, I've really enjoyed the Astra blades. I'm still a little scared to try the Feathers yet. After a cold rinse, I apply the witch hazel, let it dry, then apply the Nivea, let it dry then apply a moisturizer with a little SPF. Wow! What a difference this has all made.
However, I must confess. On those morning when I've hit the snooze one too many times, I've done the same procedure with my Mach3 (GASP!!!) And, here are my thoughts, and y'all are free to disagree. I believe in my case that both the Merkur and Mach 3 give fantastic shaves. To be honest I sometimes use the mach3 in the shower and can get equally good results with it, but for me the real and only differences are 1, the cost, and 2, the pleasure of taking my time and enjoying the experience.
I'm sure I'll keep the Mach 3 for those occasional quick shaves, but I'm really glad I've stuck with the Merkur. I hope this is of some help for you guys that are about to give up. It gets better, much better after some time, patience and a little practice.
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