Hi, newbie wants to know if his gear worth somthing

**ferez** · 06-22-2008, 08:01 AM

Hi ya'all

Im a total newbie to these hobbie of classic wet shaving.
As a matter affect, i am barely suitable for the title "newbie" because i've just ordered my first package of gear two days ago, and i will have to wait for at least 2 more weeks till i get my stuff.
The package contains the gear that are listed on my signature.
I would like to recieve from you guys any opinions/tips about my future shaving gear.

Any comment is more than welcome

Thanks, Erez from Israel.

**SMOKE** · 06-22-2008, 08:09 AM

Welcome!!! Glad you joined us!!

A very nice selection for a noobie. When you get your technique down with this razor, you might consider moving up to a Gillette SS. No hurry, take your time and enjoy!!!

All the Best,

**jmacpix** · 06-22-2008, 08:10 AM

Welcome! Your off to a fine start. That gear will do you just fine until all the AD's set in and you run out of places to put it all...

**ferez** · 06-22-2008, 08:19 AM

Thanks guys

I can't wait for the gear to arrive allready.
Hope that i won't cut my self to death in my first try of shaving

Does anyone know a good online store that ships to Israel in a reasonable shipping price?
Or, is there anyone else from Israel?

**thirdeye** · 06-22-2008, 09:57 AM

Welcome to B&B, we're glad your here...Enjoy!!!
BTW you've got a fine starter set up on the way. Just remember to check out Mantics video's and have a blast!!!!

**Prince** · 06-22-2008, 10:12 AM

Sounds good to me. Enjoy and welcome.

**ferez** · 06-22-2008, 10:28 AM

Mantic is my mentor

**ferez** · 06-22-2008, 10:42 AM

i was wondering about somthing,
you all said my gear is quite good for a noob, so when will i actually know that i need to change my gear? if it does a good job, how will i know that i need another razor for example?

Thanks, Erez :)

**Dharion** · 06-22-2008, 10:55 AM

If it does a good job then there's no use in upgrading. But eventually you will go tired of it.. maybe try something new..
And since you live in Israel there might be a chance you can buy excellent DE blades in local shops. Save the shipping coasts for good shaving cream

**Gruder** · 06-22-2008, 10:57 AM

Welcome to B&B, Erez!

As others have said, that's a good bit of gear to start. I think for most of us that "need" and "want" are quite different things when it comes to acquisition disorders. You could shave for the rest of your life with what you have there, but stick around B&B long enough and you'll want to try all sorts of new stuff. As for what to try first, I'd suggest a blade sampler pack (though the Derby's are an outstanding start) -- once you get technique and a favorite blade or two down, then what you acquire next is up to you! Be sure to let us know how it goes.

**ferez** · 06-22-2008, 11:10 AM

Thanx ya'all,
I know i havent done even one session of wet shaving yet and i already got a handful of questions, but im very curious so thanks for the cooperation guys, this is fairly a GREAT forum

**AFG** · 06-22-2008, 01:01 PM

You won't "need" to change anything but you will probably want to experiment with some other equipment. What you have listed will serve you well for some time. You may want to try a more agressive razor, you may also want to try some creams and see how they compare to soaps. Creams generally lather a little easier. Your brush is the same one I first bought. Its a bit prickly and you may want a softer bristle but it will get you going in the right direction. No shortage of stuff to try.Best of luck

**tvphotog** · 06-22-2008, 01:10 PM

Welcome Erez! Wonderful to have someone here from the Promised Land...of course, I mean the Land of Crystal blades. I always wondered why some of the best blades in the world are made in Israel. Interesting place for a cottage industry. We haven't had a member here as yet who could answer that question. Now perhaps we do!

You might only want to try another razor if you tire of the one you have or just want a change. Check the Buy Sell Trade forum every once in a while for some excellent values on vintage, beautiful razors. Have a great time and ask all the questions you want.

Remember to watch the mantic59 videos on Youtube and to read the stickies here.

Best regards,

Jay

**burnwood** · 06-22-2008, 02:05 PM

if you like your stuff, dont change it.

**wksimple** · 06-22-2008, 03:17 PM

Welcome!

I started with a DE Weishi 5 weeks ago as well. It is a good razor once you find the right shave angle. Just go slow, work on the angle, and above all, DO NOT press down!! That was my worst habit to overcome. You can't get a smooth, close shave in one pass by applying more pressure. A lesson for which I paid in blood.

Also get a sample pack of blades to try. Well worth the effort.

**Peter Dimas** · 06-22-2008, 08:48 PM

The only thing I might recommend adding to your kit is some kind of pre-shave cream. Proraso seems to be a pretty popular pre/post-shave. I just use facial moisturizer and lay it on a little thicker than when I'm actually using it as a moisturizer. Gives the blade quite a bit more glide. I'm a relative noob myself, so I still keep an alum stick on standby though don't use it nearly as much as I thought I would. But it's worth having because I nicked myself on my upper lip my first shave and the damn thing bled for much longer than it had a right to.

Peter

**SMOKE** · 06-22-2008, 09:44 PM

Originally Posted by Peter Dimas

The only thing I might recommend adding to your kit is some kind of pre-shave cream. Proraso seems to be a pretty popular pre/post-shave. I just use facial moisturizer and lay it on a little thicker than when I'm actually using it as a moisturizer. Gives the blade quite a bit more glide. I'm a relative noob myself, so I still keep an alum stick on standby though don't use it nearly as much as I thought I would. But it's worth having because I nicked myself on my upper lip my first shave and the damn thing bled for much longer than it had a right to.

Peter

The correct answer is....Grow an 80's Tom Selleck stashe like me! Problem solved!

**ferez** · 06-23-2008, 09:31 AM

Hi again,
I went down to a few local shops today to search for some razor blade to use in the future.
The only blades i found was " Laser stainless". does anyone knoe these blades? are they good? what are their characteristics?

**tvphotog** · 06-23-2008, 10:31 AM

Are Crystal blades available there? Israel is where they're made, for Pete's sake, I should think they would sell them there.

If not, check and see where is the nearest internet store that they supply and have them sent to you.

Best,

Jay

**Peter Dimas** · 06-23-2008, 02:49 PM

Originally Posted by SMOKE

The correct answer is....Grow an 80's Tom Selleck stashe like me! Problem solved!

Oh, believe me, if I could I would. You know the guy on the street with the splotchy thin mustache who you're pretty sure is a child molester? He and I share the same upper lip genetics.

Peter