I'm Sold!

**Edcculus** · 09-18-2006, 04:45 PM

First of all, I'd like to say hi to everyone, since this is my first post. My name is Ed as you can probably tell from my screen name. I'm a junior at Clemson University studying Graphic Communications. The time I've spent lurking here, I've seen there is a Clemson Alum here. Go Tigers! I'm currently not at Clemson because I am doing a required internship with a printing company located near DC.

I guess while were doing this, I might as well give a little history of my shaving past. I've always been a fan of what I considered "wet shaving" over using an electric razor. As far as I knew, wet shaving consisted of a Mach 3 and "goop in a can". I was never really satisfied with my shave though, and once my facial hair started to grow faster so I had to shave every day, I quickly realized that something had to change. Funny enough, I was watching an episode of M*A*S*H one day and saw Hawkeye lathering up with a snazzy lookig brush. That got me thinking that there has got to be a better way to shave. At the very least there had to be some technique out there.

Finally, after searching about shaving, I stumbled across this forum via Wikipedia I think. Boy was I suprised. As soon as I started reading, I just couldnt stop. I decided to stop by Target today after work and pick up some of the Proraso products. After a little searching around, I finally found them and ended up buying the entire line: pre-shave, shaving cream (green tube), after shave cream, and a brush (boar hair I think). I also picked up a Gillette Sensor since that seemed like the most acceptable cartridge razor around here. I was going to wait until tomorrow morning to shave, since I take my showers in the morning, but I was so excited about my new stuff I decided to shave as soon as I got home from work.

I hopped in the shower for a quick rinse off and to get my beard wet. Since I had been growing it out for about a week, I took the advice I read and washed it with shampoo. The pre-shave felt very nice, cool and relaxing. It was also great fun whipping up the cream in a cappuchino mug I found around the apartament. After applying the cream, I shaved one pass N-S, re-applied cream and did another pass N-S, since my hair was thick in places. Since this sort of shaving was not wholly new to me, I also did a E-W pass after lathering up again. Needless to say, This was the best shave of my life. My face feels great, no irritation whatsoever. It is also a lot closer than I have ever been able to get it.

Originally, I was going to wait for a week or so and forage into the world of DE shaving, but after my positive experience today, I think I'll start much sooner. I plan to follow most of the advice I've seen around here for beginners and buy a Merkur HD. I've seen a lot about blades, and was really wondering what would be best to start out with.

Hope you can endure such a long post. Thanks for all of the great advice so far.

**boboakalfb** · 09-18-2006, 04:50 PM

Congrats and Welcome! It will only get better...

**J_P_K** · 09-18-2006, 04:54 PM

Welcome aboard.

**TraderJoe** · 09-18-2006, 04:54 PM

Great Avatar!

**Scotto** · 09-18-2006, 05:23 PM

Welcome, and ask questions!!

**PalmettoB** · 09-18-2006, 05:38 PM

Welcome aboard, fellow Tiger! Ed, you won't ever regret finding this gold mine of information. Just take it slow and enjoy! Good luck with your internship.

Clemson U. alumnus
Centennial class of 1989

**Scorpio** · 09-18-2006, 05:40 PM

Welcome and enjoy the possibilities!!

**tjkirch** · 09-18-2006, 05:49 PM

Welcome, and I like your story! Good choice on the Proraso products, and I know you'll like the Merkur HD. Of course, we'd be happy to provide even more recommendations

**GeeQue** · 09-18-2006, 06:02 PM

Sounds like your starting off on the right foot.
Welcome Edcculus

**jduffy** · 09-18-2006, 06:12 PM

Greetings and go Gamecocks!

Hehehehehehe

**NMMB** · 09-18-2006, 06:19 PM

Welcome Ed... I like your "jump in with both feet" attitude. Trust me, with a little work/practice this is a choice that you will never regret.

**Edcculus** · 09-18-2006, 06:46 PM

Thanks for the warm welcome guys! Do you have any suggestions on where to go to buy a HD? I've seen that some people mentioned Classicshaving.com. Would that be my best bet? Also, what would be the best suggestion for blades? If it comes down to it, I may get some Merkur's to start out with. One final question. On Classicshaving.com, is the "Merkur HD" the Classic or Heavy Classic. I didnt see one that said "HD" so I'm assuming its one of these.

**Austin** · 09-18-2006, 06:47 PM

Welcome sir.

**moses** · 09-18-2006, 06:49 PM

It's the Hefty Classic.

For blades, the merkurs are fine to start as far as I'm concerned. But send a message to John, username Letterk, on this forum, regarding his blade sampler packs, and get one. Either 5 or 10 blades, of each of the major blade brands commonly used. Pretty cheap (don't remember the exact price).

**NMMB** · 09-18-2006, 07:06 PM

Originally Posted by Edcculus

Do you have any suggestions on where to go to buy a HD? ... what would be the best suggestion for blades?...

I have no experience with Classicshaving.com but I have purchased from QED and menessentials - both of which have been good to do business with. QED does have slightly better prices (I think) but the website is difficult to navigate (however any Qs you may have will be answered by e-mail very quickly). Other members here have purchased from Classicshaving.com and have not had problems, so they may be good as well.

As for the blades, well, I would say contact John (AKA "Letterk") regarding his DE blade sampler. I did not do this, but I have no doubt that this is the easiest way to find out which blade works for you (since it is the easiest way to try many blades).

**OldSaw** · 09-18-2006, 07:26 PM

Welcome

**PalmettoB** · 09-18-2006, 07:42 PM

Originally Posted by Edcculus

Thanks for the warm welcome guys! Do you have any suggestions on where to go to buy a HD? I've seen that some people mentioned Classicshaving.com. Would that be my best bet? Also, what would be the best suggestion for blades? If it comes down to it, I may get some Merkur's to start out with. One final question. On Classicshaving.com, is the "Merkur HD" the Classic or Heavy Classic. I didnt see one that said "HD" so I'm assuming its one of these.

Ed: I bought my Merkur from QED. Site isn't so user friendly, but put what you need in an email and they have GREAT customer service. Also, go with John's (letterk) sample pack (see thread elsewhere on this site). He sent mine fast, and it is nice to have such choices to learn what blade works best for you.

**Keith5698** · 09-18-2006, 07:47 PM

From one newbie to another, welcome. I can relate to your excitement at finding this forum. It has done wonders for me, and I'm sure it will for you as well.

As far as the razor is concerned, I purchased my HD from QED. The service and price are both great. As was also mentioned, the sampler blade pack from letterk is a great way to start. I'm still working my way through mine, but it is amazing how the different blades work for each person. The only way to figure out what will work best for you is trying different blades.

Last, but certainly not least, just keep reading, asking questions, and enjoy the process. Everyone here has been fantastic offering advice, resolving issues, etc. You couldn't have found a better place to join the world of wetshaving.

**Edcculus** · 09-18-2006, 07:57 PM

Well I just ordered a HD from ClassicShaving.com. The website was easy to use and the shipping seems to be quick. I'll PM John and talk to him about the sample pack. Thanks. I'm sure I'll have some more questions in the future.