Hey there! Newbie from New England checking in. Sixty-seven years young and leaping down the rabbit hole of wet shaving for the first time. Going bald on top so decided to end the struggle and go full shaved head. Always thought about trying wet shaving so as good a time as any to start. Just a recap; I started out using the Gillet Sensitive cartridge razor (5 blades head). Dove right in with WTG, XTG, and ATG. Ouch! Nicks, razor burn and bumps afterwards. After a few shaves I read that fewer blades would likely be better. Less blades to irritate the skin. Tried the Leaf Razor for the head and Twig for face shaving. I wanted to like it but just didn’t seem to work for me. Still too many nicks and razor burn. Read reviews that the Henson AL13 had great results for being mild and good for first timers. BINGO! Best shave ever! Right out of the gate first time no nicks or razor burn. Also about this time it finally sank in that WTG was indeed the way to go and my best results without irritation. At least for the head shaving anyways. No problem for face shaving. A lot less sensitive there. Really liking the Henson AL13 but now that I have my technique down pretty consistently I’ve been focusing on the details. I did not like the suction or drag feeling from the aluminum razor particularly on the face. Tried adding a pre-shave oil and making the lather a little more wet which helps. Note, thanks to this forum I’ve learned about how good prep can make a big difference and been doing what I feel is a pretty good pre prep routine. Ended up switching to the Henson Titanium Mild and that made a huge difference. The Titanium just seems to glide compared to the Aluminum. Also found the weight of the titanium really works for me. Nicely balanced and the added weight seems to cut nicely without tending to add a little pressure to make up for the light aluminum. Best results yet to date for head shaving and amazing results for the face shaving where I am able to go XTG and ATG . Now I’m looking to try something a just a little more aggressive or with more blade feel to see if I can get even better results particularly if only going WTG for head shaving. I typically do only one pass with some touch up for the head shaving currently. After reading all the glowing reviews on the Blackland Blackbird I just ordered the Blackbird Titanium with a Mild plate to try out. Yep, jumping down that rabbit hole with both feet…….
Newbie from New England checking in! Look out rabbit hole!
- Thread starter GTTony
- Start date
Welcome, from Vermont.
I am a big Blackbird LITE proponent myself!
I am a big Blackbird LITE proponent myself!
Welcome 
Welcome to the forums.
Welcome
from Arizona.
from Arizona.
- Thread starter
- #6
- Thread starter
- #7
Welcome
from Vermont.
from Vermont.
Hi and welcome to B&B from N.Ireland.
Great to have you on board. Your post reads more like an experienced DE shavers, sounds like you've gone far pretty quickly. While acquiring razors, new ones are definitely one path to take, I might suggest looking at either a vintage Gillette Fat Boy or the Slim. Both are adjustable razors, way cool vintage picks and would afford you an experience going from mild to more aggressive.
The gents here are very knowledgeable and you'll find reviews and experience(s) galore.
My preference has been and remains vintage and my favorite razor to date is my Gillette New Long Comb with fat handle. For my mug a bit more aggressive than then Techs I have and just an enjoyable shave.
Have fun exploring the many blades to select from...oh so many and so little time.
Welcome and have a blast.
The gents here are very knowledgeable and you'll find reviews and experience(s) galore.
My preference has been and remains vintage and my favorite razor to date is my Gillette New Long Comb with fat handle. For my mug a bit more aggressive than then Techs I have and just an enjoyable shave.
Have fun exploring the many blades to select from...oh so many and so little time.
Welcome and have a blast.
- Thread starter
- #11
Thanks!
Really enjoying the international diversity of the forum. My daughter’s closet friends are from the UK. Her friend is from N.Ireland and her friend’s husband is from Scotland.
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- Thread starter
- #12
Thank you for the welcome! So many cool choices. Ergo the rabbit hole idiom. It’s gonna take some discipline to reel in the enthusiasm for this new hobby.
Welcome from N.E. also / N.H.
I start wet shaving at 16 (w/ a straight razor) with huge guidance from my super dad.
Now just 67, still pretty much a daily stubble executioner.
Glad to have you & Congrats!
Enjoy & have fun..
BFX
I start wet shaving at 16 (w/ a straight razor) with huge guidance from my super dad.
Now just 67, still pretty much a daily stubble executioner.
Glad to have you & Congrats!
Enjoy & have fun..
BFX
Welcome. Rabbit hole? No leaping necessary.
Lockback
Dull yet interesting
Welcome!
And I was a little older than you when I jumped into the rabbit hole a couple of years ago. You've made great choices so you're well on your way.
And I was a little older than you when I jumped into the rabbit hole a couple of years ago. You've made great choices so you're well on your way.
Hello from Nashville, TN.
Welcome to B & B!
Welcome to B & B!
Welcome aboard!
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- #18
Thanks! I lived outside of Nashville down in Murfreesboro for several years back in the 90's.
- Thread starter
- #19
Thanks! Nice to hear from another 603!
Welcome to the B&B community from Gainesville, Florida... It isn't that warm here.... but warmer than many places at the moment. <eg> evil grin
