Recommended products for newbie & pals

**RFordUT** · 08-03-2006, 01:23 PM

I am looking into purchasing a quality DE safety razor, shave cream, brush, etc. I have always had sensitive skin, and have been especially prone to ingrown hairs. Currently, I am using a Mach 3 with Aveeno shave gel, and it isn't a terrible combination. But I would like to take a step forward and use better products/methods to try and achieve the results I am looking for. The MSNBC article sparked my interest.

I have done some homework the past few days on the best beginner's razor, cream, and brush to use. I have come to the conclusion that the Merkur HD Safety Razor combined with a Vulfix badger brush and Nancy Boy shave cream would be a good starting combination. Can anyone tell me if this is correct, and if not, are there better starting combinations?

On a sort of unrelated subject, I am getting married in October and I am still hunting for good groomsmen gifts. I want to purchase a decent Mach 3 handle for my guys, since I know they all use them. But my budget doesn't allow for this purchase along with a good cream and brush for each guy. Do you guys have any suggestions on what a good shaving groomsmen gift would be? I don't want to throw them into the fire just yet with the purchase of DE safety razors, but I would like to get them some good products.

**Kyle** · 08-03-2006, 01:28 PM

Originally Posted by RFordUT

I am looking into purchasing a quality DE safety razor, shave cream, brush, etc. I have always had sensitive skin, and have been especially prone to ingrown hairs. Currently, I am using a Mach 3 with Aveeno shave gel, and it isn't a terrible combination. But I would like to take a step forward and use better products/methods to try and achieve the results I am looking for. The MSNBC article sparked my interest.

I have done some homework the past few days on the best beginner's razor, cream, and brush to use. I have come to the conclusion that the Merkur HD Safety Razor combined with a Vulfix badger brush and Nancy Boy shave cream would be a good starting combination. Can anyone tell me if this is correct, and if not, are there better starting combinations?

On a sort of unrelated subject, I am getting married in October and I am still hunting for good groomsmen gifts. I want to purchase a decent Mach 3 handle for my guys, since I know they all use them. But my budget doesn't allow for this purchase along with a good cream and brush for each guy. Do you guys have any suggestions on what a good shaving groomsmen gift would be? I don't want to throw them into the fire just yet with the purchase of DE safety razors, but I would like to get them some good products.

Welcome to B&B.

What price range do you prefer?

**Leisureguy** · 08-03-2006, 01:35 PM

Instead of the Vulfix, I would suggest the Edwin Jagger Best Badger from C&E: save a little and get more experience.

**TraderJoe** · 08-03-2006, 01:38 PM

Originally Posted by RFordUT

I am looking into purchasing a quality DE safety razor, shave cream, brush, etc. I have always had sensitive skin, and have been especially prone to ingrown hairs. Currently, I am using a Mach 3 with Aveeno shave gel, and it isn't a terrible combination. But I would like to take a step forward and use better products/methods to try and achieve the results I am looking for. The MSNBC article sparked my interest.

I have done some homework the past few days on the best beginner's razor, cream, and brush to use. I have come to the conclusion that the Merkur HD Safety Razor combined with a Vulfix badger brush and Nancy Boy shave cream would be a good starting combination. Can anyone tell me if this is correct, and if not, are there better starting combinations?

On a sort of unrelated subject, I am getting married in October and I am still hunting for good groomsmen gifts. I want to purchase a decent Mach 3 handle for my guys, since I know they all use them. But my budget doesn't allow for this purchase along with a good cream and brush for each guy. Do you guys have any suggestions on what a good shaving groomsmen gift would be? I don't want to throw them into the fire just yet with the purchase of DE safety razors, but I would like to get them some good products.

Welcome to B&B. Sounds like you've got the right idea with the Merkur HD, If I had to do it all over again thats what I would choose.

Congratulations are in order as well on your getting married. As for gifts, my recommendation would be to get them a decent brush and a quality soap/cream. This small change in their shaving regimen should make a HUGE difference, and they will certainly remember you with pleasant thoughts every day. I would.

**Suzuki** · 08-03-2006, 01:38 PM

The Saville Row brushes are the same or cheaper than the Vulfix and IMHO are a better all-around brush.

**ouch** · 08-03-2006, 02:49 PM

You simply can't go wrong with a Saville Row or a Vulfix, but I'll have to second leisureguy's recommendation for a beginner's brush- that little C&E is great for $35. If and when you get something better, you can still use it for soaps or travel. You'd really have to spend nearly double to get anything better.

**RFordUT** · 08-03-2006, 03:26 PM

Thanks for the quick replies. I never knew there was so much information out there on shaving. Kinda interesting when you start researching it.

I don't want to break the bank here, but I also am willing to spend on a good product. I thought the Vulfix brushes on classicshaving.com were a bit expensive. But $35 sounds reasonable. I've heard the Jagger brushes are nice as well.

I may get the groomsmen some nice cream, a decent brush, and a travel case. That would be at least different than most gifts like the token flask, beer stein, money clip, etc.

I am kinda nervous about the DE razor though. I am willing to practice, so I won't quit early. But the Mach 3 is so easy, although I can still feel stubble 5 mins after using it. I am just interested in a good clean shave with some nice smelling cream. Hopefully this will do the trick, and be enjoyable at the same time. Thanks again.

**Gatorade** · 08-03-2006, 03:42 PM

Originally Posted by RFordUT

I don't want to break the bank here, but I also am willing to spend on a good product. I thought the Vulfix brushes on classicshaving.com were a bit expensive. But $35 sounds reasonable. I've heard the Jagger brushes are nice as well.

The Crabtree & Evelyn brushes are made by Edwin Jagger, they are just branded C&E.

**Leisureguy** · 08-03-2006, 03:44 PM

On the C&E Web site, they're branded as Edwin Jagger. Scroll down here.

**TraderJoe** · 08-03-2006, 04:13 PM

Originally Posted by Gatorade

The Crabtree & Evelyn brushes are made by Edwin Jagger, they are just branded C&E.

Maybe he doensn't like the C&E logo

**mrob** · 08-03-2006, 07:17 PM

If you get the HD I don't think you'll need to worry about too steep a learning curve coming from the M3--slap a nice Derby or Merkur blade in that bad boy and you won't be feeling very much stubble 5 minutes after your shave.

**fatt_tony** · 08-03-2006, 07:34 PM

Go here http://www.classicshaving.com/Home.html and get your Merkur HD, 1 pack of Merkur blades, 1 tub of a Taylor's cream. Then go to Crabtree & Evelyn at your local mall and pick up a best badger brush for $35 and after shave balm. Go home. Shave. Then get on ebay or other etailers and get every thing you read about and suggested on this forum.

**fatt_tony** · 08-03-2006, 07:45 PM

Originally Posted by RFordUT

On a sort of unrelated subject, I am getting married in October and I am still hunting for good groomsmen gifts. I want to purchase a decent Mach 3 handle for my guys, since I know they all use them. But my budget doesn't allow for this purchase along with a good cream and brush for each guy. Do you guys have any suggestions on what a good shaving groomsmen gift would be? I don't want to throw them into the fire just yet with the purchase of DE safety razors, but I would like to get them some good products.

Just go for a nice shave cream or soap, and a nice mug/bowl found anywhere, alot cheaper if your on a budget. Maybe even a shaving brush. Anyways, don't help them support there bad habits of shaving with the Mach3.