Either/Or - Creating my First Set

**Watchmen** · 11-17-2008, 09:41 PM

OK - I've been lurking for about a day and I can't wait to get the stuff I need to delve into this wonderful tradition (though I'll probably wait until Christmas). I never was taught how to shave properly. I was given a hand-me-down electric when I was a teen, but I quickly moved on to disposables because the electric irritated my skin. As an adult, I've used mostly Edge gel with a Mach 3. I'm ready to re-learn how to shave and want to do it right this time.

I need your help - I've narrowed some items down to two and I'd like you to tell me which to go with. Some items I really have no idea and could use any recommendation. I'm 6'1, 220 lbs., with a medium beard (not soft - not tough). So - here it goes:

RAZOR: Merkur HD Straight or Merkur Class Long Handle

BLADE: No idea. I've heard the Feather are too much for a rookie to handle. I've seen many suggest a sample pack, but I've also heard it's good to stay with one product the first month. I don't want to mess the learning curve up if I'm switching blades every few days.

SOAP: L'Occertane or Crabtree & Evelyn Nomad

BRUSH: No idea. Will any badger brush I pick up at Crabtree work well? Should I go large or medium size?

AFTERSHAVE BALM: L'Occetane or Crabtree?

PENCIL: Do think it matters - I'll grab one whereever I end up.

MUG/BOWL: I'll just use a large latte cup or similar.

OK - I think that's all I need. Please let me know what you think and if you have any strong suggestions outside of what I'm leaning towards feel free to share.

Thanks again! It's great to be here!

**mdunn** · 11-17-2008, 09:58 PM

ALL OF THE ABOVE!!

razor: I dont have either of these, so ill leave that up to someon else

blade: id get the sampler pack (well, i DID get the sampler pack) from west coast

soap: loccitane! the c&e soaps are pretty good, but the loccitane is considered better by many

brush: c&e best badger brush. im not sure what sizes it comes in, but its about $35 i think

balm: ive not tried the loccitane ones, though people say theyre pretty good. the c&e ones are good too, so whatever you want really

pencil: i have one ive never used

bowl: yep, whatever you can wrangle.

welcome to b&b

**dpm802** · 11-17-2008, 10:39 PM

Welcome to B&B, Watchmen.

If you've only been lurking for a day, you learn incredibly fast. The list you presented is all the right stuff. You won't go wrong with any product you mentioned.

My only question, though, is why wait until Christmas? You'll be missing out on a month of wet-shaving that you'll never get back again.

Jump in now. You've got your list, go shopping. You'll learn more in 5 days of putting blade to face than you will in reading forums for the next 5 years.

By the time Christmas gets here, you'll be way ahead of the game.

**bbsupersport** · 11-17-2008, 10:41 PM

Firstly... welcome Watchmen,

What you have there is a loaded question and you will receive all kinds of advice and opinions. All very helpful. The tough thing is to decipher everything and make a choice. Although it looks like you have done a bit of research and it looks like you are headed in the right direction.

I also started off with a Merkur HD razor with some Derby Extra blades, and have no regrets. I really like the HD and am still using Derby blades even after sampling a number of other brands. The HD razor has a nice heft to it and a great non-slip handle. From what I understand, you can get a very good brush at a very reasonable price from Crabtree & Evelyn. I would say you can expect to pay between $35 - $65 for a good starter brush. Brush size is personal preference, you might want to start with a medium sized brush which may allow you to get a better quality brush at a better price, rather than buying a large one.
Creams/soaps and aftershaves are things you are going to want to experiment with. Again personal preference here, but the ones you mention are very good quality, so then it is up to your nose to decide.
I believe my starter kit cost me about $145 CDN which included the Merkur HD razor, a 25 blade sample pack, a Fendrihan Silvertip brush, Taylors of Old Bond Street Avocado shave cream, and Speziali Fiorentini Hemp & Myrtle Aftershave Balm. It was a perfect start for me. I purchased my kit from an online supplier at www.fendrihan.com from Alfred, he was very helpful and patient. Shortly afterward, I bought a scuttle to make my lather in and keep it nice and warm. I've never regretted that purchase.

Good luck to you and let us know how you make out shopping and with your shaves. Remember you need good PREP and to let the weight of the razor do the work for you with little or no PRESSURE and concentrate on the ANGLE of the razor and most important, be PATIENT.

**Watchmen** · 11-18-2008, 09:43 AM

I wish the sample packs had more than 5 Derby. I don't need 10 Feather if I can't even use those until I master this new art.

**bbsupersport** · 11-18-2008, 10:12 AM

Try asking if they can forego the Feathers and put more Derbys in the sample pack. Or just go for it and buy a pack of Derbys, you can get a hundred for 21.99 with free shipping at http://www.shavingfactory.com/product_p/derby15.htm

**frank85** · 11-18-2008, 02:31 PM

Welcome Aboard

**Watchmen** · 11-20-2008, 08:55 PM

OK - thanks, as always, for the advice.

I took the plunge and have ordered the following:

Merkur Classic Razor #178
Sample pack of blades from westcoastshaving

I'm SO excited!!!

**bbsupersport** · 11-20-2008, 09:16 PM

Great choice!

Congrats!

**joshmpdx** · 11-20-2008, 09:26 PM

im particurly fond of the merkurs, way to go!

if i were in your shoes, id also see if i could add a tube of proraso to the shipping from west coast shaving, im sure they'll do right by you with shipping charges.

i also would look into aftershave splashes. L'Occitane has great balms, especially for winter. west coast has the Musgo Real splash (not listed on the site, but it's there) for great prices.

welcome aboard!

**ScYcS** · 11-21-2008, 05:37 AM

Originally Posted by Watchmen

BLADE: No idea. I've heard the Feather are too much for a rookie to handle. I've seen many suggest a sample pack, but I've also heard it's good to stay with one product the first month. I don't want to mess the learning curve up if I'm switching blades every few days.

That's a myth. My second DE shave ever was with a feather blade. They might be sharper than most but it's still what it is: a razor blade. If you are careful and handle it like a razor blade, you'll be fine with feathers.

**SMOKE** · 11-22-2008, 01:21 AM

Originally Posted by Watchmen

OK - thanks, as always, for the advice.

I took the plunge and have ordered the following:

Merkur Classic Razor #178
Sample pack of blades from westcoastshaving

I'm SO excited!!!

If you MUST have a merkur, you have chosen wisely!!!! I still say start with a nice vintage Gillette (insert Smoke's broken record).

If you find the Derbys are for you, shoot me a PM...I'll send you a couple of packs to keep you going so you can really decide if that is the blade for you!!

Just make sure you don't switch up blade brands often while learning!! Try each make of blade for at LEAST a week. Initially many noobs blame poor shaves on the blade. This certainly can be true, but more often then not...it is technique, not the blade.

Regards,