Do I have everything I need to get started?

[Ace the Masta]

Interesting i'll have to grab an alum block and give it a try.

Also welcome buddy that's looks like a great starter kit that should deliver a great shave.

Remember opinions are like arseholes, everyone's got a few so what might work great for some might not work for you.

 

[GNR]

To answer your question...yes, you have more than enough to start.
You’ve already received a bunch of good suggestions regarding how easy it is to use a synthetic brush. I would also recommend that path just to take another variable (brush break in) out of the equation.
Take your time, don’t use pressure (don’t force the razor, don’t push it against your skin), don’t try for or worry about the perfect shave. Just take short easy smooth strokes and cut off some whiskers. I would recommend searching B&B (thus forum) for beard mapping and start with just going WTG (With The Grain) of your whiskers, this will be easier and there is less a chance of irritation. Do not start with the Feather blade. I’d recommend one if the Astra, Voshkod, or Wilkinson blades they are usually “smooth” blades which will also reduce the chance of irritation.
Have fun with it, you will learn through trial and error. Some errors will result in some small cuts but hey heal quick. Ask lots of questions when you have them, the folks here know a lot and can help tackle some of the challenges we all encounter. The most important thing is to take your time and enjoy learning a new skill/technique. Best of luck, let us know how it goes.

 

[JWCowboy]

What does an alum block do? I thought it was for when you nick yourself I've never tried one personally.

I use it just for nicks and weepers, works like magic on them. You can also use it for minor irritation and razor burn but I'd recommend using it all the time as it can be very drying to the skin.

 

[Rustyshackelford]

What does an alum block do? I thought it was for when you nick yourself I've never tried one personally.

Someone else has also answered this, but to phrase it differently, its an aftershave. Its an antiseptic that rub over your face, it also has the added benefit of also reducing redness and slowing or stopping bleeding from weepers, nicks and cuts. It is also a good tool for beginners or those really intent on perfecting technique to grade their shave. If you can apply the alum to the shaved area and get little or ideally no burn/sting, you have achieved an irritation free shave, however, if you get a mild to strong sensation, it identifies the areas you went over too many times, applied too much pressure, or didn’t have adequate lather for a pass or two.

I am not as strongly in favor of the alum block, as in I don’t believe it to be as essential as a brush but if you lack any other aftershave product, you ought to have this one at the very least. I use it more if i am going out apply a balm instead of aftershave splash.

 

[Chef455]

I will chime in and echo great razor and cream/soap, consider a synthetic brush and raid the kitchen for a shaving bowl. I'd also like to point out giving a smaller company like West Coast Shaving some consideration instead of lining Bezos' pockets. Trust me he's doing just fine right now.

 

[cryhavoc]

Welcome to B&B! As others have mentioned I would go with a boar or synthetic brush but the rest looks like a good starter kit.

 

[njpaddy]

#1 - Skip the block for now and pick up McCormicks Alum or any generic powdered alum from the grocery spice aisle to stop nicks and weepers. Dip a wet finger in and apply, or make a paste if it bleeds too much. Just brush it off when dry. You can always get an alum block later on. In the 1960's drug stores sold powdered shaving alum, (I still have some of that alum from the 60s, but the stuff was cheap and lasted forever, so they came up with styptic pencils and blocks to make more money. Pencils and blocks don't stop bleeders that well. Powdered alum will.

#2 - Skip the pure badger brush. My first wetshaving brush was a $35 pure and it was a waste of money. Unless you're willing to spend $50-150 on a Simpson or Thater (2-band), get a good synthetic. Oh God, how it pains me to say that after all I've spent on 20+ badger brushes. I did hate my first 2 synths, but they've gotten better and my lone 24mm RazoRock is really a good brush.

#3 - Stand. Unless you're single and just want to display stuff, or your wife allows you counter space, skip the stand and put that money toward a better brush. I have a stand in a box somewhere, but haven't seen it in 10 years.

 

[Chef455]

My thanks to @njpaddy posting above ^^^. I have used a styptic pencil and it works but I think the powdered alum might be a better path. Picked up 3 for buy 2 get 1 free at the grocery store. I imagine I'm set for a good while if I keep 2 and PIF one.

 

[Stubblebum]

Welcome to B&B.

I would echo the sentiments of others about the brush. I suggest starting with a boar (Omega or Semogue) or synthetic rather than an off-brand pure.

If you have your heart set on a pure, Vulfix brushes are available for around $17US (Italian Barber or the bay).

Enjoy the journey.

 

[TheStrenuousLife]

What an incredible forum this is. Everyone has been incredibly helpful. Thank you all so much! I will definitely go ahead and get a synthetic brush, and I will also go ahead and omit the bowl and stand. I was wondering, though, where would be an acceptable place to store the razor/brush? Can either be stored in a dopp bag after being cleaned? If so, is there any dopp kits you guys would recommend?

 

[gablett]

I use a stand and wouldn’t be without it. It’s a great place to store the razor and the brush to dry properly.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

 

[Chef455]

What an incredible forum this is. Everyone has been incredibly helpful. Thank you all so much! I will definitely go ahead and get a synthetic brush, and I will also go ahead and omit the bowl and stand. I was wondering, though, where would be an acceptable place to store the razor/brush? Can either be stored in a dopp bag after being cleaned? If so, is there any dopp kits you guys would recommend?

After a shave I rinse my brush thoroughly, give it a gentle squeeze, 3 hard flings into the shower and then run it over a towel. I let it finish drying standing up in open air, no stand for me. I do alternate brushes every shave but I don't think that's absolutely necessary, but you do want your brush to dry between shaves, I don't think keeping it enclosed in anything would be a good idea.

Razor gets a good rinse with hot water a quick wipe down with a towel. No stand for my razors either.

 

[Ace the Masta]

After a shave I rinse my brush thoroughly, give it a gentle squeeze, 3 hard flings into the shower and then run it over a towel. I let it finish drying standing up in open air, no stand for me

This is what I do besides drying on a towel. I feel a stand would be more for showing off your gear & I try and hide my stuff out of sight on top of a cupboard in the bathroom.

raid the kitchen for a shaving bowl.

Also really like this piece of advice. I found a big mug that was rarely used & found its nice for soaking my brush plus could be used for making lather.

 

[Mountain Grown]

What an incredible forum this is. Everyone has been incredibly helpful. Thank you all so much! I will definitely go ahead and get a synthetic brush, and I will also go ahead and omit the bowl and stand. I was wondering, though, where would be an acceptable place to store the razor/brush? Can either be stored in a dopp bag after being cleaned? If so, is there any dopp kits you guys would recommend?

These are the three razors and two brushes in my rotation this week. For me, I like to hang the next brush and razor up in the rotation. I hang my brushes i guess out of OCD but you do not need to. It's preference and ease for me to do so.

 

[Mountain Grown]

 

[Chef455]

These are the three razors and two brushes in my rotation this week. For me, I like to hang the next brush and razor up in the rotation. I hang my brushes i guess out of OCD but you do not need to. It's preference and ease for me to do so.

By all means hang away. I wish my lovely bride suffered from your OCD in this regard... Too much of her necessities take up space on our vanity. My den has to live in the medicine cabinet.

 

[Fukushima Daiichi]

Not bad choices except the brush. Lower quality badger brushes tend to be scratchy. If you are only going to bowl lather it really isn't a problem but when you face lather it can irritate your skin. I'd recommend a Synthetic or Boar made by Omega and Semogue. Synthetics are great because they make tons of lather effortlessly with small amounts of product and dry easily with little maintaining. Boar are stiffer and soft at the same time and feel great for face lathering IMHO. The downside they can be more difficult to make lather and require some skill. Boar brushes also need a break in period. While Synthetic works right out the box. If you really are dead set on getting badger pay more money and invest in a high quality silvertip. The thing about ordering on Amazon is their is a lot of crappy shaving products that are rebranded Chinese equipment. I'd recommend going to other sites like West Coast Shaving, Maggard Razors, and Italian barber shop around there see what you like and see if you find it on Amazon.

 

[Ridpath]

What an incredible forum this is. Everyone has been incredibly helpful. Thank you all so much! I will definitely go ahead and get a synthetic brush, and I will also go ahead and omit the bowl and stand. I was wondering, though, where would be an acceptable place to store the razor/brush? Can either be stored in a dopp bag after being cleaned? If so, is there any dopp kits you guys would recommend?

Regarding storage, a dopp bag (or anything that limits airflow) is a no-no for a damp brush. The issue is that if kept damp for a long period, mould can form, the glue holding the bristles can soften, as well as developing that classic musty smell.

The razor can go into a bag no problem - just make sure you’ve removed the razor blade before long term storage.

i don’t put any of my kit in a bag or box - they just sit on the shelf when I’m finished. If you don’t have good ventilation in your bathroom, consider getting a second brush if you’re a daily shaver so the brush gets a chance to dry between uses.

 

[Invicta]

Welcome to B&B.

I am officially about to begin my new shaving lifestyle.

The R89 is a good razor suitable for novices and experienced shavers alike.

 

[FoolishMortal]

What an incredible forum this is. Everyone has been incredibly helpful. Thank you all so much! I will definitely go ahead and get a synthetic brush, and I will also go ahead and omit the bowl and stand. I was wondering, though, where would be an acceptable place to store the razor/brush? Can either be stored in a dopp bag after being cleaned? If so, is there any dopp kits you guys would recommend?

As stated, don't store wet stuff in a travel bag, or even in a drawer if you can help it. I towel-dry my razor and flick out the brush, then let them air-dry. My current kit lives on the counter (in the corner), with after-care items in the medicine cabinet. I'm testing two razors at the moment:

Notes:
The razor in the mug (which is where I soak the brush while I shower) is a hybrid: it has a Schone top cap and handle, with a Piccolo base plate sandwiched between them. The other razor is a Parker four-piece travel razor - the handle unscrews into two pieces. The green stuff is vintage Osage Rub that has been decanted into a vintage bottle.