First off, if you're wondering what I used, here's the little kit I bought:
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=88385
Only difference being I used a Taylor of OBS Lemon&Lime shaving cream sample that he also included.
Started off soaking the brush in the mug with some microwaved water since our tap doesn't run very hot. Gave my face a bit of a steam bath and a good rinse with hot water. I ended up putting a bit too much soap in the lather, but added a bit more water and it ended up pretty good if I do say so myself.
(just a bit too much actual lather and wasteful)
I think the brush itself was too soft for my liking. It spread flat over my face with no real pressure and didn't do much in the massage department. I was also a bit annoyed trying to get it lathered in up by my sideburns since it was very limp and just flattened out. But the lather held up very well throughout the passes each time I applied it.
I can't really say if the razor or blades are for me since it was my first time and I haven't tried anything else. My main problem was that I was having a hard time maintaining a good angle. I kept going either too far up or too far down and having the razor lose contact without noticing. The lather was so slick on my face I couldn't hardly tell.
I ended up doing 3 passes. One with the grain, one across, and then a very careful and light against the grain. I only went against the grain because my neck was really pissing me off. I couldn't get it to shave decent in any of the 3 passes. End result being my neck and jawline turned out to be a bit like a half day stubble. I'm sure that is all technique though and I will improve as I continue practicing. It was probably from me having a hard time maintaining a good angle.
I didn't cut myself at all 001_smile). I definitely felt a bit of razor burn coming on, but that happens to me even with cartridge and canned crap. I rinsed with cold water and applied some of the aftershave balm sample. I didn't like that product at all. It left my face feeling oily/heavy and had a strong lotion smell that I couldn't stand.
Over all it was a good experience. I don't think I'll ever go back to canned shave cream again, that hand made lather was wonderful. I definitely need to look for a different aftershave balm though. I need something moisturizing to sooth my razor burn and sensitive skin, but preferably something lighter and with a refreshing scent. A stiffer brush may also be on my list down the road, balm first though. (suggestions welcome)
I want to throw out a quick thank you to all of B&B for providing me with all the info I needed to make a good first go at wetshaving and not have it go horribly wrong.
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=88385
Only difference being I used a Taylor of OBS Lemon&Lime shaving cream sample that he also included.
Started off soaking the brush in the mug with some microwaved water since our tap doesn't run very hot. Gave my face a bit of a steam bath and a good rinse with hot water. I ended up putting a bit too much soap in the lather, but added a bit more water and it ended up pretty good if I do say so myself.
(just a bit too much actual lather and wasteful)
I think the brush itself was too soft for my liking. It spread flat over my face with no real pressure and didn't do much in the massage department. I was also a bit annoyed trying to get it lathered in up by my sideburns since it was very limp and just flattened out. But the lather held up very well throughout the passes each time I applied it.
I can't really say if the razor or blades are for me since it was my first time and I haven't tried anything else. My main problem was that I was having a hard time maintaining a good angle. I kept going either too far up or too far down and having the razor lose contact without noticing. The lather was so slick on my face I couldn't hardly tell.
I ended up doing 3 passes. One with the grain, one across, and then a very careful and light against the grain. I only went against the grain because my neck was really pissing me off. I couldn't get it to shave decent in any of the 3 passes. End result being my neck and jawline turned out to be a bit like a half day stubble. I'm sure that is all technique though and I will improve as I continue practicing. It was probably from me having a hard time maintaining a good angle.
I didn't cut myself at all 001_smile). I definitely felt a bit of razor burn coming on, but that happens to me even with cartridge and canned crap. I rinsed with cold water and applied some of the aftershave balm sample. I didn't like that product at all. It left my face feeling oily/heavy and had a strong lotion smell that I couldn't stand.
Over all it was a good experience. I don't think I'll ever go back to canned shave cream again, that hand made lather was wonderful. I definitely need to look for a different aftershave balm though. I need something moisturizing to sooth my razor burn and sensitive skin, but preferably something lighter and with a refreshing scent. A stiffer brush may also be on my list down the road, balm first though. (suggestions welcome)
I want to throw out a quick thank you to all of B&B for providing me with all the info I needed to make a good first go at wetshaving and not have it go horribly wrong.