Another "new recruit" to DE wet-shaving, with a couple questions...

**Denis** · 08-07-2006, 03:18 PM

Hello Board Members,

This is my first post on this forum. I am just starting my conversion from the world of disposable razor cartridges (a la Gillette Mach3) to the more traditional double-edge world. I am a total newbie here, and so far I've had to make do with those sorely expensive 3-blade Mach3 contraptions and canned shaving gels, like Gillette's Mach3 or Nivea Sensitive Skin, put on by hand. Of course compared to my electrical shavers from before, Mach3 gave me a shave close enough that I could actually feel the skin on my neck and chin rather than prickly stubble. However, not only is this multiple-blade shaving contraption insanely expensive, it also provides me with plenty of pain and irritation, which is probably due to razor burn and my sensitive skin.

By some weird twist of fate, I stumbled upon an article on wetshaving from msnbc.com, and it completely opened my eyes to how wetshaving is really supposed to be done, using a single blade or a double-edged safety razor. From that article, I learned about Merkur's fine razors, badger hair brushes, luxurious English shaving creams, and some of the technique. I caught myself grinning when I was reading that article because I started to imagine shaving as being a luxurious, pleasurable experience rather than a chore, which so far it has been.

I found this forum just a couple days ago and had the pleasure of reading some of the reviews and pointers. Then time came to make some decisions.

I placed an order with classicshaving.com last night, and I think I got myself pretty much all the supplies I need. For the razor, I picked Merkur Vision. I know it may be a little much for a DE beginner, but it sure is a fine-looking and, as I hear, fine-feeling, well-balanced razor. I figure if I start out very slowly without any pressure and using conservative angles, I should be ok. I debated about the brush. I looked as Rooneys, Vulfixes, SR, and several others posted on this forum. However, for newbie's convenience sake, I simply decided to purchase the Merkur Vision Set, which has the Vision razor, the silvertip badger brush, a stand, and a bowl. It's a good-looking set in satin finish, which I figure should get me started alright. I read some opposition to Merkur brushes, but I also read some praises - so it comes down to choice and me trying things out, I suppose. I can always add that 35-dollar C&E brush to my collection later! For the cream, I decided to start with a tub of Taylor of Old Bond Street shaving cream in "Rose" blend. To top things off, I also ordered Taylor's luxury herbal aftershave cream.

I wondered about the different shaving creams available and read a few reviews. What I decided to do is to write to several cream manufacturers and ask for a sample. I wrote to Taylor of Old Bond Street, Truefitt and Hill, The Art of Shaving, and Geo F. Trumper. A person from Taylor's said that they are not offering samples at this time due to high demand for samples and the time-consuming procedure of putting them together by hand (they do not have sample-sized stocks). Truefitt and Hill so far hasn't replied. However, The Art of Shaving and Geo F. Trumper agreed to send cream samples of their full line. I will keep you posted on the progress with that once I get everything going.

So far, what's unclear to me is the difference between shaving soaps and shaving creams and the usage of each. Is it again simply the matter of personal preference, or does the soap work more efficiently than the cream? What difference is there in how the shaving process feels with the soap and the cream, if any? From what I could tell, you put an almond-sized dab of cream on your soaked brush and then work up the lather in the separate bowl. For soaps, do you work up the lather right over the soap?

Anyhow, this looks like a terrific place, I am looking forward to participating, and I can't wait to receive my order from classic shaving

Cheers!
Denis
NJ, USA

**Dinder1** · 08-07-2006, 03:21 PM

Welcome.

Cheers, DJ.

**Jim** · 08-07-2006, 03:26 PM

Welcome Denis

Here is some ideas and whatnot;

Scottos FAQ

newbie to newbie-click here

click here

kYLE

**BGog** · 08-07-2006, 03:30 PM

Welcome Denis!!

I started wet-shaving several weeks ago after reading the same article you did. I couldn't be happier. I also purchased the Vision and you'll find it to be a great razor!!

Make sure you take it slow at first and you'll find your introduction to wet-shaving to be an incredible experience. (though my wife still thinks I'm nuts)

Let us know how your first shave goes.

**Leisureguy** · 08-07-2006, 03:38 PM

Shaving creams are slightly more popular and some think they are easier to lather. Here are lathering tutorials for shaving cream and for shaving soap.

Using a lathering bowl is a great help, and quite a few people have said it's been the best tip they've read.

The Vision is a great razor IMHO. I use it with Feather blades. Start with the gap set to "N" (least aggressive) and see how it goes. Light pressure: to get a good shave, use multiple passes (lathering between passes) rather than heavier pressure. Short strokes help, too: easier to maintain blade angle.

The complete Merkur kit is not a bad idea at all.

At some point, try these two shaving creams: Taylor Avocado and J.M. Fraser (scroll down at the link). Both are really nice.

Prep well, take your time, and enjoy yourself.

**Leisureguy** · 08-07-2006, 04:14 PM

One point: when you put your new blade in the Vision, be sure to tighten the doors all the way: after the doors close on the blade, you tighten further so that the blade is bent into position. This makes the edge rigid. One error novices make is not to tighten the razor sufficiently.

The question is sometimes raised: how tight should the top be? So, a little scenario. You’re going on a picnic. Just before you pack the jar of pickles, you open it and eat one. Then you put the lid back on and put the jar on its side in the basket. That tight: tight enough so the jar won’t leak and the lid will stay on, but also ready for someone to remove the lid at the picnic.

**moses** · 08-07-2006, 04:18 PM

Dennis,

Here's an idea if you want to try some things that you cannot get samples of (like taylors). Scotto has been offering a 6-pack of very generously sized samples for a very good price. Private Message him and see if he is still offering that - it is a great way to try a number of things cheaply. As you may have seen, you can also get a sampler of the popular blades types from John, aka Letterk. Also a great idea.

**Denis** · 08-07-2006, 04:36 PM

Originally Posted by Leisureguy

That tight: tight enough so the jar won’t leak and the lid will stay on, but also ready for someone to remove the lid at the picnic.

Well, that "someone" better be me because I really know how to overtighten things like that!

Thanks for all the useful info, folks, and all the links!! Excellent stuff.

**Denis** · 08-07-2006, 06:42 PM

Originally Posted by BGog

I started wet-shaving several weeks ago after reading the same article you did. I couldn't be happier. I also purchased the Vision and you'll find it to be a great razor!!

Wow that's quite a coincidence... I thought it was a pretty neat article, too. I'm sure if I followed his advices to the letter, I wouldn't have spent as much as I did, but then again - I like nice things :)

One thing about this DE wetshaving is that there seems to be a lot of room for luxury!! All the different brushes, different decadent creams, etc... Haha - how good it is to be a man

And I will definitely PM Scotto about those Taylor samples... Taylor was one brand I wanted to try in particular, but I read good things about the Trumper stuff, as well.

I also read that there are some shortfalls in Taylor's packaging of creams, like the tub doesn't have a "substantial" feel to it or such thing. Is there a cream manufacturer who's got it all - lubricity, lather, scent, AND awesome packaging?? :)

**htownmmm** · 08-07-2006, 10:37 PM

Welcome Denis!

You have been assimilated!

Marty

**TomH** · 08-08-2006, 04:57 AM

Hi Denis,

and a very friendly Welcome from Germany...

Oh Oh..., the "wet-shaving-virus" has you and no healing...

Thomas

**mrob** · 08-08-2006, 05:53 AM

I'd suggest you pick up a glass tub of C&E Sweet Almond Oil Shave Cream--the packaging is great and the product is fantastic--in fact, I think I'll go and shave with it!

**Denis** · 08-08-2006, 08:55 AM

I only see the C&E almond cream in a tube on their website - no glass tub offered. Perhaps I should stop in one of the stores and see if they have some there...

**BGog** · 08-08-2006, 10:27 AM

They have discontinued the tub of Sweet Almond Oil shaving cream but your local store may still have some in stock. I went to mine yesterday and they had 6 tubs left all at 50% off.

You might also try their other scents, I think the Sienna smells nice.

**BroJohn** · 08-08-2006, 01:06 PM

Hi Denis --

Great intro post. Your experience and search mirrors my own.

-- John Gehman

**Joedy** · 08-08-2006, 01:15 PM

Welcome, Dennis.

Just remember one small thing....

The sharp end goes against the whiskers!

Everything else is much easier after this!

Welcome to B&B. You're off to a fine start.

-joedy

**Denis** · 08-08-2006, 09:44 PM

Wow what an incredibly friendly community

Thanks to everyone that replied for an awesome welcome and some excellent links and tips. This is an incredibly resourceful place. Silly me, I thought for a while there that I was between an electric shaver and Gillette - sure am glad to be treading this new ground. I can definitely see how expanding a shaving collection can be an addiction!!

**mactrack** · 08-09-2006, 05:58 AM

I am also a newbie here and I was going to start another thread but Denis's is just about the exact same position as mine! I have decided to try the DE route and want to get one of the Merkur shaving sets, Futur or Vision, but I have only seen them for sale at online retailers in the UK. I would realy like to know whether there are any shops/department stores which stock these sets so I can go and have a fondle first as it were. I work in London UK. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

**Jim** · 08-09-2006, 06:06 AM

Originally Posted by mactrack

I am also a newbie here and I was going to start another thread but Denis's is just about the exact same position as mine! I have decided to try the DE route and want to get one of the Merkur shaving sets, Futur or Vision, but I have only seen them for sale at online retailers in the UK. I would realy like to know whether there are any shops/department stores which stock these sets so I can go and have a fondle first as it were. I work in London UK. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

Welcome Mac(?)

You could look around at this thread,

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthr...0169#post40169

**mactrack** · 08-09-2006, 06:39 AM

Hi Jim,

I did look at the list but there does not appear to be any actual bricks and mortar shops in London UK (unless Taylors or Trumper stock them instore but just make no mention of them on their websites?) where I can go and see the Merkur sets in the flesh and get a feel for the weight and dimensions. Thanks.