... and I think I'm ready to upgrade some of my gear.
A little background:
For my birthday, my parents bought a bunch of items from Art of Shaving on one of the their vacations. Included in this package were a Merkur Progress and and Art of Shaving best badger brush.
Between this site and Mantic's vids, I came into the lifestyle with a pretty good knowledge base intact. My first shave or two was uneventful save for a couple weepers, a few nights of razor burn, and stubborn areas of stuble.
After a while, I really improved my lathering game (again, THANKS MANTIC!) whether it be my Art of Shaving soap or Kiss My Face cream. I have eliminated my razor burn thanks to improved technique, Thayers, and alum block.
However, I can't quite eliminate those pesky pockets of resistance along the underneath of my jaw line. Switched from the Merkurs to Derby Extras which helped, but didn't solve the problem. I think my problem is that I just can't work that 30 degree angle along the problem area to save my life.
So, I was looking into a new razor with a more "traditional" blade angle. Perhaps a case of a poor carpenter blaming his tools I admit, but the wetshaving bug has bitten me anyway and my shelf was doomed to be filled regardless.
I have narrowed it down to the Merkur HD and the Merkur Futur. I know this topic has been broached before, but most of the debates I have seen regard someone just coming into DE shaving.
As much as I think I know about wetshaving, I'm sure a fixed blade would improve my technique and perhaps help elminate those final whiskers. However, I am used to dialing on an adjustable between passes, and really appreciate the control it gives me. I'm so confused... but I imagine I could always just buy both.
I'm still a good six weeks away from my comp time check, so I have plenty of time to listen to your advice (I already have a pretty good idea on the creams and soaps I want to try next).
Which brings me to my brush. While I really can't complain about the AoS brush, it's just kind of... I don't know... soulless. The one thing I will give it is it seems like it works pretty well with both soaps and creams, so I would like it's replacement to do the same.
I've read and re-read the reviews on this board, and am leaning towards the Kent BK4. My overseas friend has an Omega he swears by (the black and clear handled model) which is half the price. Again, I just may wind up buying both eventually, but I'm leaning towards the Kent for the initial purchase... if for no other reason because it's my last name. Very sound reasoning, I know.
Anyway, thanks for reading my ranting, and any guidance would be welcome! Great site, btw.
A little background:
For my birthday, my parents bought a bunch of items from Art of Shaving on one of the their vacations. Included in this package were a Merkur Progress and and Art of Shaving best badger brush.
Between this site and Mantic's vids, I came into the lifestyle with a pretty good knowledge base intact. My first shave or two was uneventful save for a couple weepers, a few nights of razor burn, and stubborn areas of stuble.
After a while, I really improved my lathering game (again, THANKS MANTIC!) whether it be my Art of Shaving soap or Kiss My Face cream. I have eliminated my razor burn thanks to improved technique, Thayers, and alum block.
However, I can't quite eliminate those pesky pockets of resistance along the underneath of my jaw line. Switched from the Merkurs to Derby Extras which helped, but didn't solve the problem. I think my problem is that I just can't work that 30 degree angle along the problem area to save my life.
So, I was looking into a new razor with a more "traditional" blade angle. Perhaps a case of a poor carpenter blaming his tools I admit, but the wetshaving bug has bitten me anyway and my shelf was doomed to be filled regardless.
I have narrowed it down to the Merkur HD and the Merkur Futur. I know this topic has been broached before, but most of the debates I have seen regard someone just coming into DE shaving.
As much as I think I know about wetshaving, I'm sure a fixed blade would improve my technique and perhaps help elminate those final whiskers. However, I am used to dialing on an adjustable between passes, and really appreciate the control it gives me. I'm so confused... but I imagine I could always just buy both.
I'm still a good six weeks away from my comp time check, so I have plenty of time to listen to your advice (I already have a pretty good idea on the creams and soaps I want to try next).
Which brings me to my brush. While I really can't complain about the AoS brush, it's just kind of... I don't know... soulless. The one thing I will give it is it seems like it works pretty well with both soaps and creams, so I would like it's replacement to do the same.
I've read and re-read the reviews on this board, and am leaning towards the Kent BK4. My overseas friend has an Omega he swears by (the black and clear handled model) which is half the price. Again, I just may wind up buying both eventually, but I'm leaning towards the Kent for the initial purchase... if for no other reason because it's my last name. Very sound reasoning, I know.
Anyway, thanks for reading my ranting, and any guidance would be welcome! Great site, btw.
