Thread: New Obsession

I am the kind of guy who generally dives into things head first, and this is no exception. I received my kit from Tony Miller over the weekend, and I am already hooked. I have had three shaves with it so far, and though I have obviously cut my self a fair amount, I have become just as thorough as I was with my safety. Though it takes me about 4 times as long to get there haha. The hardest places for me are my chin and just under it. I am only 21 and still have a small amount of acne, so that can also get tricky as well. Still, I wouldn't go back to my safety razor, this just has so much more character.

I fear I may end up like Lynn with all his various razors and creams and such, though my bathroom certainly isn't big enough right now. I have already ordered an Edwin Jagger Super Badger Brush from C&E after doing a few hours worth of research on the different types and brands of brushes. I didn't want to spend a huge amount on my first badger brush, but I also wanted something better than pure badger. This brush seemed to fit the bill in size, price, and quality. I may have spent too much for my first brush, but we shall see.

I also ordered some of their sandalwood shaving soap. I love the smell of the William's shaving soap included in Tony's kit, but it seems to be drying my face out, I guess I have more sensitive skin. I am going to try some different soaps and eventually creams to see what I like best. I also ordered some from Mama Bear which I am excited to try when they get in. I ordered the sandalwood, vanilla cream, and english leather soaps. If there are any other suggestions I would love to hear them, though I know soap choice is more of a personal preference sort of deal.

I am pretty happy with the Dovo 5/8" razor that was included in Tony's kit, as it was the major selling point for me. Still, I figure that I will end up buying one or two more different razors this year just to try them. Probably another, higher end Dovo and a Thiers-Issard as I have heard that these two brands are the best you can get. I am still a newbie, so will definitely be getting my technique down with the 5/8" Dovo.

I love Tony's strop, though I have very little experience to go on. It seems to work great for me and is just the right width for the razor. I am a big fan of that fact that he hand makes them. My Dad is a carpenter by trade, and I also have an uncle who is a farrier/blacksmith. So, I am a big fan of the handcrafted quality that comes with his strops.

I am also looking into the moss scuttle. I know I am still new, but one of the things that attracted me to wet shaving in the first place was the idea of a hot lather and how good it feels. The scuttle seems to be the way to go to get a good hot lather. They are kind of pricey though. Still, after reading some of the posts here about them, I may just go for it.

So, it is pretty obvious to me that I am hooked. I already have hopes of converting my friends. Once I have got my technique down, I may offer to give them a shave. I know I already have one who is daring enough. This is a long ways off though.

If any of you more experienced guys have any suggestions or tips, I would love to hear them. I am planning on logging in for the Tuesday night newbie chat.