First DE Shave

**dojohnso** · 09-15-2006, 01:16 PM

Just finished with my first DE shave. New Merkur HD, Merkur super blade, Musgo Real shaving cream, Simpson Chubby 3 brush.

Brush was a little stinky. Have to get it past that new smell stage.

Ive been wet shaving for several months, but have been using the Trac 2 cartridges. I both reading in this forum and experience with cartridges has helped technique.

Pretty close shave. Not BBS, but pretty decent. Was surprised I didnt knick or gash my face at all. Did 2 with the grain passes.

I have derby and feather blades on the way, so will get a chance to experiment to see if a sharper blade will get me to the BBS nirvana.

Looking for a good aftershave that is fragrance free. Any suggestions? Right now Im using Casswell & Massey Sandalwood After Shave Balm.

Thanks for all your reviews and tips! Im on my way to SCAD, SBAD, SRAD....etc.

Doug

**NMMB** · 09-15-2006, 01:20 PM

First, way to go with the DE shave. It may (will) take a few attempts, but you will figure it all out... just stick with it. Second, while not fragrance free I find that T&H Ultimate comfort and Baxters ASB are very good and both have light scents.

**gc_30286** · 09-15-2006, 01:24 PM

congrats on the shave.

dont chase that bbs to soon al youll be fine
i get good results with feather blades in my HD (just remember to respect them, they will bite)

as alway just IMHO

matthew

**PalmettoB** · 09-15-2006, 01:28 PM

Congrats on the shave. Sounds like you did it right...slow and steady. I haven't tried the Feathers yet, so I am looking forward to that myself (got some in the sample pack)!

**Jim** · 09-15-2006, 01:33 PM

Glad to hear it Doug. It only gets better!

**dojohnso** · 09-15-2006, 01:39 PM

NMMB, thanks for the kudos.

I have shaved (cartridge) with the Musgo and also with the AOS sandalwood. Love the smell.

I dont always use an AS, but now that Im using a DE, prob be best to start incorporating that into the regimen. So far, only have a Musgo splash on AS and the Casswell & Massey Sandalwood AS balm.

In the process of getting some Taylors Avocado Creme, Trumpers Coconut and a couple other cremes. Wanted to make sure I got an After shave that didnt diminish the scent of the cremes. I suppose the real way to go is to either get 1. a scentless AS or 2. match the cremes with the matching AS, right??...... but method 2 gets costly....

**dojohnso** · 09-15-2006, 01:44 PM

Thanks for the kudos Goosemeplease, PalmettoB, gc_30286.

I had unwrapped the DE, was a little skeered, but lathered up and took it slow and easy. I thot sure as heck I would get nicked, but just did short strokes with the grain, and didn't push down. The razor weight did all the work.

I had done a cartridge shave day before yesterday with a new cartridge. Didnt get that BBS shave. Was really looking forward to getting my gear today to try the DE. Have to say, this is a better shave than with the cartridge.

Doug

**dustind** · 09-15-2006, 01:46 PM

Way to go. Don't expect perfection right away, but keep up the practicing and try different blades.

**dojohnso** · 09-15-2006, 01:46 PM

BTW, I have experienced the holy grail before, wet sahving with a cartridge. Didn't happen too often, but when the stars and planets aligned, that BBS feeling is ethereal....

**dojohnso** · 09-15-2006, 01:48 PM

dustind, THanks for the encouragement. Noticed your sig.

Lucky you. I live in NC now. Moved out here 2 yrs ago from Aliso Viejo, CA. Man, I sure miss California. The Central Coast is exceptionally pretty....Paso Robles, etc.

**jduffy** · 09-15-2006, 02:03 PM

Sounds like you're totally on the right track not the wrong trac anymore.

Just be sure to enjoy the experience. Don't get caught up in results as it kind of messes with your head and technique.

I think it's a lot like home run hitters in baseball who don't think about hitting a home run, they just try to have fun and hit the ball.

Enjoy everything about shaving.