Thread: Where have I been all this time

Hi Slim,

Yeah, it sounds like you're about to fall down that rabbit hole. I should mention to you that it's a bottomless one for many of us 'hobbyists'. There, that's your one warning.

I'd suggest starting with a DE, and then go to a straight after your technique has improved. By then, you'll have learned some things that will make using a straight much easier. You'll know about proper prep before the shave, what's good lather, and will have learned how your whisker pattern grows. You will also develop the right mindset for getting a great shave using something real sharp. Yeah.......it's not something to be rushed as you already probably know. Gotta go slowly, and pay attention.

It's gonna take a while though, just so you know. Give yourself a good 3-4 weeks before things come together, and then you can see if a DE is something to continue with. It takes some time to learn all the variables, and everything but the actual part of using a DE razor will carry over to straight shaving. No stropping or honing to deal with will only help you learn the basics quicker and still in a fun way.

Oh, about the Merkur you'll be receiving: I've never used one of those, but they do get very good reviews. I see you did some reading before pulling the trigger, and let me offer one tip that may help. The Merkur razor blade included may not be the right one for you to start with. They are fine for some people, but most don't care for em much. You may not understand this now, but all blades are not the same. To give yourself the best chance of early success, you might consider trying a different brand at first. Then, after shaving with a couple or three types, give the Merkur blades a shot. It's what I wish I'd have done when I started using a DE. Keep in mind that you should only use one type blade for the first couple weeks, then switch to another for comparison. It's all about a reference point, and building on it as you go.

If you like, PM me and I'll send out a small blade assortment that you may find amusing....heh. If not, then good luck with whatever you decide on.
Martin

Oh, I should probably include this little item, as long as I'm posting anyway. It's not something that most members like to talk about, but most of em are.......anti-Gillettic (also includes all other DE types). Yep, be prepared to be treated like pond scum until you learn the straight.

You've made a good choice coming to the straight razor side. I haven't been shaving with a straight for too long, and my wife says I spend more time shaving than with her .

Seems that you have a touch of RAD, but don't worry other forms of AD will show up soon. I went happy on ebay one week, got some razors to practice with, and a set of hones to sharpen them up.

Good luck, and enjoy your new routine.

Thats more or less how I ended up here but I was looking for Bay Rum Aftershave. I orderd a straight razor, bought a Gillette DE off ebay upgraded to a badger hair brush, have eight aftershaves, three balms, four soaps, another DE, ...... and another order is in the mail! Can't tell you how much fun I'm having and I get to participate on this great site! And I smell good Too! Clubman.
Dannyr

Well, I have been busy today. My Merkur HD, soap and blades came in the mail today. I bought a EJ BBB with a stand from England. And I just completed the purchase of an F.W. Engels straight.

I appreciate all the advice and welcomes. This is quickly becoming an obsession. I think it is called an "AD".

Oh yeah, think I am gonna get a TM strop when his site opens again.

Welcome to the club Jeff
This is a road you will not regret wondering down.