New DE shaver and sharing my learning experiences

**jlu** · 07-06-2009, 02:05 AM

Hi all,

First off, I would like to start by saying thank you to all of the information that is available on this site, and to those who put in a lot of time organizing everything and keeping the conversations and threads on track.

Second, I would like to thank the members that provided great deals over in the B/S/T area so that I could get started with minimal cost. They unknowingly made my entry into the DE shaving world affordable.

I have been shaving with my DE every other day for a little while now. I purchased a very lightly used Merkur HD that came with a Vulfix 2234, C.O. Bigelow (Proraso) cream, C.O. Bigelow Black ASB, and some Merkur blades. I supplemented that with a very well priced Lavender soap from eShave, some Wal-Mart Personna blades and VDH Deluxe soap. Then on a trip to Denver, I made the mistake of going to the AOS store in Cherry Creek and picked up a starter kit in the sandalwood scent.

I first started off using the proraso cream, and the Merkur Blades in my DE. I was getting weepers and lots of irritation on my lower neck. After more research, I switched my lathering techniques, experimented with the other soaps/creams and also superlather, and started using the Wal-Mart Personna blades.

I have found that with almost any combination, I was having irritation and weepers. Then I revisited my lathering technique and realized my lather was inferior compared to what was achievable. This paired with some pre-shave oil, and I can get a DFS consistently with no irritation or weepers. I am very happy with my experience, and look forward to getting quicker and more consistent with my shaves.

Currently, I really like the Merkur HD/Wal-Mart Personna combo with Sandalwood AOS Pre-Shave oil, VDH Deluxe/Proraso Cream Superlather, followed by a quick Aqua Velva splash. Once that dries, I like to wash my face with just cold water and then put on the C.O. Bigelow Black ASB. While I know these scents are very mixed, and sound strange, but currently I am looking at the effect/affect of what they do more than the scent, and I really like it. The only scent that stays is the ASB anyway. Maybe someday they will mostly match.

Sorry for the novel, but I cannot parse it any more than it is.

Thanks Again,
--jlu

**Luc** · 07-06-2009, 02:45 AM

Welcome to B&B!

That's great. I think your next step is to get a razor blade sample pack from Westcoast shaving. I have nothing against the personna but another blade might help. You are probably getting weepers and irritation from the angle of the blade and/or pressure. Nothing to worry about, it will readjust with time.

**jlu** · 07-06-2009, 03:02 AM

Thanks!

I have a sampler coming with some Astras, Personna Blue, and Feathers. I figure I will give all of these a chance and see what I think, then possibly try others based on my experiences with these.

--jlu