Another newcomer...

**harman** · 12-22-2008, 12:58 PM

Hi.

I've been lurking only shortly, having stumbled on 'wet shaving' a few weeks ago (and, subsequently, this website). Before I bought my brush and DE razor, I used what most people use: A Mach 3 and canned goo. Generally, my skin didn't feel very good after a shave and I used to get small, nasty looking razor bumps near my mouth the next day or the day after that. This was always paired with some irritation. Also, shaving was an awful chore.

My current shaving gear:

Merkur classic, Derby blades
Wars shaving cream
Omega Badger Brush (this one, it's quite soft)
Alum block
A very small tube post-shave cream (no perfume)

Yeah, that last thing isn't really part of my gear. I've almost always shaved without aftershave.

Anyway. Now I don't get the bumps I used to get, which is good. Having only little experience (about two weeks), I assume it can only get better.

Already on my first shave with a DE razor, my skin felt very different. Feeling my stubble after the shave (I'm not going for BBS until I get comfortable), it felt very different. It feels as if the stubble isn't part of my skin anymore. It feels quite good!

A few things I'm working on: Figuring out in which direction my stubble grows. I thought this wouldn't be difficult at first, but it seems on some areas of the skin the hair has 'borders' where the hair seems to grow in an exact opposite direction. My hair grows very quickly so I have had the opportunity to shave often, but I'm also wary of shaving too often and not letting my skin recover.

An aftershave seems to be a crucial part of the shave, so I'll work on getting some good aftershave soon (recommendations?) & work on improving my technique.

One final thing: I figured that the alum block can be thought of as a learning tool. If there's no irritation, I nailed it. If there is a lot of irritation, it means I need to improve my shaving on the areas that are stinging. Does this sound right? If so it seems to me that an alum block is a good learning tool for a beginner. I hardly ever get any nicks so I needn't worry about stopping bleeding. I guess there's something I'm doing right.

I look forward to joining in on the occasional discussion. I don't regularly post on any forums, so this might be my new home.

**thirdeye** · 12-22-2008, 01:06 PM

Welcome to B&B...Enjoy!!!

**biminyrd** · 12-22-2008, 01:13 PM

Hey, congratulations.
It took me a long time to figure out that shaving could be more than a chore, even enjoyable.

As far as aftershaves go, joel did a great review of drug store bargains http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=50513 including many aftershaves you can buy in your local drugstore.
I went and bought some aqua velva and skin bracer, and really enjoy them. They do sting, so if that is not your game, some simple witch hazel from the plastic bottle (in the alcohol aisle) is my next favorite option. I use an old oldspice bottle to hold my witch hazel. Most of the nice Thayers witch hazels contain too much alcohol for my taste.

have fun,
aaron

**AsylumGuido** · 12-22-2008, 01:13 PM

Welcome aboard B&B, harmon! Feel free to ask questions. Most of us around here love to discuss our hobby.

**mantic** · 12-22-2008, 01:21 PM

Welcome!

--Mark

**PRose** · 12-22-2008, 01:25 PM

Welcome!

**OldSaw** · 12-22-2008, 01:56 PM

Hi Harmon,

Welcome to B&B.

**arghblech** · 12-22-2008, 02:00 PM

Welcome!

**scoopster** · 12-22-2008, 02:54 PM

Welcome to B&B Harmon!

For winter aftershaves here are a few suggestions:

* Gentlemen's Refinery - Standard or Unscented aftershave balm. Pricey but great stuff
* Brute: Very readily available drugstores, Target, etc. It's cheap and has an old school smell but does a great jib.
* Any of the balm from Saint Charles shave or QED. These will be in between the price of Brute (or any other drugstore balm) but much less than Gentlemen's Refinery. Also, you'll have many scent options.

Happy hunting!