Add another to the roll call. . .

**Scott T. Bear** · 11-27-2006, 11:27 PM

Just received my first wetshaving supplies this afternoon; Merkur HD razor, Vulfix super badger brush, some Feather blades, and two cakes of "classic shaving" brand hard soap.

I just found this forum today while searching for ways to "deodorize" my new brush!! I was NOT prepared for the. . .er, stank! Anyway, a few brush shampoo-ings and conditionings later, I gave it a go.

It took me three tries to get a good lather going, but all in all I was pretty proud of my results. Getting the lather onto my face was harder! (Maybe it was because I was holding my breath. . .wet badger strikes again!) At this point I opted to fore-go the DE razor and went with my mach3 just to keep things simple.

Two passes later and. .

Holy Smokes. My best shave ever. With a rather dull cartridge. Another wetshaving convert has joined the ranks. I looking forward to see what the DE razor can do, but I don't want to rush things, so I might wait a few days for that experience.

I'm really glad I found this site. After reading a few threads, everyone seems very genuine and you can believe I will take advantage of some of these "sample" offers!

BTW, I can't resist bringing up the brush smell again. I had heard that the brush can smell a little funky when new. So I sniffed it when I pulled out of the box it didn't really have a smell. So I ran it under some hot water and brought it up for another whiff. And Wham!! I almost dropped it.

Seriously.

I had to control myself to put it down gently before I ran from the bathroom and I actually entertained the thought of throwing the thing away for a few moments. I have a feeling I will never forget that smell for the rest of my life.

**bearbeard** · 11-27-2006, 11:29 PM

no need to wait for the DE, It'll take some practice but is well worth the effort. Welcome aboard by the way. Glad to have ya here.

**Jack Bauer** · 11-27-2006, 11:32 PM

Welcome Scott.

**htownmmm** · 11-28-2006, 03:50 AM

Originally Posted by Scott T. Bear

BTW, I can't resist bringing up the brush smell again. I had heard that the brush can smell a little funky when new. So I sniffed it when I pulled out of the box it didn't really have a smell. So I ran it under some hot water and brought it up for another whiff. And Wham!! I almost dropped it.

Seriously.

I had to control myself to put it down gently before I ran from the bathroom and I actually entertained the thought of throwing the thing away for a few moments. I have a feeling I will never forget that smell for the rest of my life.

The dreaded badger funk strikes again! As you have learned, young skywalker(

),never bring it to your face to get a whiff of how bad it is-trust in the force and believe what you have read. Let it soak (overnight preferably) in conditioner and the smell will leave.

Welcome to B&B Scott! Nice starter kit you have there and remember, YOU will be assimilated!

Marty

**ouch** · 11-28-2006, 05:32 AM

Welcome aboard, Scott.

You ain't seen nuthin' yet!

**Larry C in Texas** · 11-28-2006, 05:36 AM

I love the smell of wet badger in the morning. Smells like...victory.

**Jim** · 11-28-2006, 06:11 AM

Welcome Scott!

**galpman** · 11-28-2006, 06:34 AM

Welcome Scott, I say go for the DE.

**Kyle** · 11-28-2006, 06:46 AM

Welcome, Scott.

**rebornshaver** · 11-28-2006, 07:02 AM

Welcome aboard Scott, the best is yet to come.

**Scott T. Bear** · 11-28-2006, 05:56 PM

Thanks, everyone, for the welcome. Tried out the merkur today and did reasonably well. Above the jawline things went fine, better than the m3, that is. Below the jawline things went a little rougher, but I escaped without bleeding; quite a bit of burn though. I think I was too afraid of knicking myself that I had too shallow of an angle most the time. But a couple of times I could really tell I had a good stroke going. Next time will be better. . .

I'm getting ready to pick out some creams from the sample offer that is offered on this forum. Anybody have any suggestions for stuff a new guy has to try?

**Mama Bear** · 11-28-2006, 06:15 PM

Woohooo! Another Bear!! Hello and Welcome Scott!

Sue

**Dinder1** · 11-28-2006, 06:23 PM

Welcome aboard Scott, I would also recommend picking up one of letterk's blade sample packs...have fun.
Cheers, DJ.

**joea527** · 11-28-2006, 06:35 PM

Welcome aboard.
I haven't tried it personally but I have read that soaking a new brush in Borax and water helps.the "aroma".

**BroJohn** · 11-28-2006, 06:50 PM

Scott --

The brush will smell fine with a week or two of regular use; so I wouldn't worry about it. Now it's time to refine your shaving talents. It'll come naturally with a month or so of practice --You'll never go back.

As far as recommendations go, I'd recommend use of the Alum block following the shave.

Welcome aboard.

-- John Gehman