Another Newbie

**derrickm** · 01-06-2009, 11:07 AM

Hi all. Just thought I would stop lurking around and actually say hello to everyone!

I decided I wanted to try shaving with a DE a couple of weeks before Xmas. So for Xmas I received my first set of tools to get started. Here's what I'm starting out with:

Merkur HD
Tweezerman Brush
Tabac Shaving Soap
Merkur Blades

So far I've shaved 4 or 5 times just going with 2 passes WTG with maybe a little XTG. I haven't been brave enough to ATG yet! I don't have a really thick beard and I usually only shave every other day. I think I've already learned that I don't think the Merkur blades are sharp enough for my taste. I'm going to have to get hold of some new blades to try out. I'm thinking maybe some Derby's going by what I've read on here? I know about the sample packs from WCS but money is tight right now and I know there's no way I'm going to convince my wife that I already need some new blades! So I'll be using the Merkur's for a while (i have 30!!!)

I wanted to thank everyone here for all of the reading material. You all made it a lot less intimidating for me and I really look forward to shaving now!

I hope to stay involved on the board! It's only been a couple of weeks and I'm already browsing ebay looking for more stuff! I'm kind of OC with this type of stuff. I want to get hold of some of those really old Gillette's I keep seeing. I just love old/antique things! I just think it's probably an awesome feeling knowing you are shaving with a razor that is 50-100 years old!

Oh well, enough babbling.

Hope to talk to you all sometime!!!

Derrick

**yomuppet** · 01-06-2009, 11:09 AM

Welcome!

J

**sklegg** · 01-06-2009, 11:09 AM

Great intro, Derrick. Welcome to B&B!

**ScottyD** · 01-06-2009, 11:18 AM

Hi Derrick, Welcome to B&B! It's great to have you here. Sounds like you have a pretty nice setup to work with. Don't even think about ATG yet. Get familiar with your equipment, work on your technique and take it easy at first. Lot's of guys don't go ATG ever. It's not a requirement or even necessary in most cases.

One step at a time my friend. Soon it will all come together for you. As far as the budding RAD...well that's another story.

**OldSaw** · 01-06-2009, 11:27 AM

Hi Derrick,

Welcome to B&B.

**derrickm** · 01-06-2009, 11:27 AM

Originally Posted by ScottyD

Hi Derrick, Welcome to B&B! It's great to have you here. Sounds like you have a pretty nice setup to work with. Don't even think about ATG yet. Get familiar with your equipment, work on your technique and take it easy at first. Lot's of guys don't go ATG ever. It's not a requirement or even necessary in most cases.

One step at a time my friend. Soon it will all come together for you. As far as the budding RAD...well that's another story.

Yeah, I'll be working my way up to ATG. I always went ATG when I was using cartridges. I'm going to wait until I get more comfortable with my technique. But so far, I just don't see myself getting a BBS without going ATG.

**pal** · 01-06-2009, 02:52 PM

Welcome Derrick!

**crankymoose** · 01-06-2009, 11:22 PM

Derrick, Welcome to B&B
at some drug stores you can still find Gillette's, Wilkinson's and some store brands including some blades made in Israel (sticker on back of pkg) which any may work better for you then the Merkurs