Just starting - almost

I am very interested in straight razor shaving as I currently hate my shaving results! I use a mach III and Neutrogena shaving cream out of the tube. I get ok shaves, not very close at all b/c I can't shave against the grain or I'll get some crazy ingrown hairs. I hate shaving b/c I feel like I'm always fearing ingrown hairs and I feel like I can't shave to often or I'll get them easier. I only shave like once or twice a week. I want something better, more enjoyable.

I decided that I should start by using a DE safety razor first before even attempting a straight razor and start using real wet shaving techniques (i.e. a brush, save soap/cream etc.) Does this sound like a good idea? I ordered a Merkur Heavy Duty, some Merkur blades and some feather blades. I also ordered Proraso shave cream and will order a brush soon. I hope this is the best way to get started, or at least move away from the crappy mach III style shaving. If anyone has any advice for me I'd really appreciate it!

Carl

Carl,

This sounds like a great way to get started. I'd recommend getting a best badger brush, like the one sold by Crabtree & Evelyn, or one of the low-end Vulfix brushes. Either will run you about $35.

Starting with a DE will let you get some aspects of traditional wet shaving down before you jump into the hard parts of straight razor shaving. Have you visited the Badger & Blade forum yet? Those guys mostly shave with DEs, and they can help you get a good start.

The Merkur razor has a good reputation, but a lot of people don't like the Merkur blades. Feathers are great but might be a little sharp for a beginner. You might want to grab some Derby or Personna blades, which are available on eBay at good prices.

Good luck,
Josh

You've come to the right place.

Above, under the Library dropdown are the Help Files & Documents. Read the Permanent Archives section. The Search function is another great way to link to threads on topics that you are curious about. Don't be afraid to ask if you can't find your answers. the only dumb question is the one unasked.

Although some guys feel a need to ease into a straight razor I didn't. I went From a Trak II to a spike tip overnight and haven't regretted it for a minute. With the gear you have coming, I'd say you're bound to find something you like, but the general consensus is that the stright razor is the most comfortable shave. It certainly is for me.

X

Thanks everybody! I thought I'd ease my way in w/ a DE razor to get my skin used to something a bit different. Plus, I don't really feel all that comfortable spending lots of money on a good straight edge, strop, hone, etc. esp. when I have no clue what I'm doing (and on a limited budget - school sucks!!). I'll def. look into those different types of DE blades and see what works best for me. As for the brush, I did want to buy the Crabtree one but they are all sold out on their website so I may just buy a cheapie for now until that one is back in stock. I hope to learn as much as I can on this forum, which def. has more than enough info. to get me started and more! Thanks again!

Remember to have fun and ask away on any questions that come up.

I have a Merkur Heavy Duty DE and they are nice razors. I like the adjustables a little better, but still it's a good razor. Don't use much pressure when you use it. It will do the cutting on it's own.

Lynn