Thread: Hello all, interested in a straight razor shave

Originally Posted by mtbikernate

Since I want to start pretty simple, I am wondering what might be good to start with for post shave? I read about folks using a variety of products and I am unsure what many of them are even for in the first place. All I'd like at this point is something simple to start with that will make my face feel nice.

Nivea aftershave - every grocery store has it.

Your brush should be fine to start with creams. Proraso is an Italian brand and the Italians love boar brushes. It is pretty forgiving too. Just keep in mind that you MIGHT have a little trouble at first building a lather with it. But after about 10 lathers you should be able to get a pretty optimal lather (with the right technique of course). It will continue to get softer on your face for a while after that as more hairs split. You should still be able to build a lather before it is broken in but it will just take longer and it might not be quite as rich and full. Your technique is going to get better with time anyway so maybe it is a moot point other than to say have some patience.

Are you getting a tub/bowl of Proraso Shaving Cream Soap or a tube of Proraso Cream? If the former then most people consider it to be a "soft soap".

Post shave, if you are getting Proraso soap or creme then definitely consider the Proraso pre-post shave creme (aka Proraso Preshave cream). It has a hearty following (though I haven't used it myself).

Basically, you have 2 different categories of aftershave products. First, you have an aftershave lotion which is mostly for soothing skin and closing pores. Many, but not all of these have alcohol in them. Traditional aftershaves like Old Spice, Brut, and Aqua Velva fall into this category. Second, you have aftershave creams which are thicker and vary in consistency from what you would EXPECT a lotion to be up to a thich creamy cream. They are targeted at moisturizing and soothing. Some people will use a lotion and then a cream afterward to get the benefits of both. What you need or want will vary based on your personal preference, your skin type, and what shave soap or shave cream you use (how drying it is).

Originally Posted by nomoore

Your brush should be fine to start with creams. Proraso is an Italian brand and the Italians love boar brushes. It is pretty forgiving too. Just keep in mind that you MIGHT have a little trouble at first building a lather with it. But after about 10 lathers you should be able to get a pretty optimal lather (with the right technique of course). It will continue to get softer on your face for a while after that as more hairs split. You should still be able to build a lather before it is broken in but it will just take longer and it might not be quite as rich and full. Your technique is going to get better with time anyway so maybe it is a moot point other than to say have some patience.

Are you getting a tub/bowl of Proraso Shaving Cream Soap or a tube of Proraso Cream? If the former then most people consider it to be a "soft soap".

Post shave, if you are getting Proraso soap or creme then definitely consider the Proraso pre-post shave creme (aka Proraso Preshave cream). It has a hearty following (though I haven't used it myself).

Basically, you have 2 different categories of aftershave products. First, you have an aftershave lotion which is mostly for soothing skin and closing pores. Many, but not all of these have alcohol in them. Traditional aftershaves like Old Spice, Brut, and Aqua Velva fall into this category. Second, you have aftershave creams which are thicker and vary in consistency from what you would EXPECT a lotion to be up to a thich creamy cream. They are targeted at moisturizing and soothing. Some people will use a lotion and then a cream afterward to get the benefits of both. What you need or want will vary based on your personal preference, your skin type, and what shave soap or shave cream you use (how drying it is).

Originally Posted by gugi

Nivea aftershave - every grocery store has it.

Thanks for the suggestions. I have not decided whether to use the "soft soap" or cream. I will probably place an order for some stuff this weekend. When I had my barber give me a shave, he used an aftershave lotion (not sure which brand - I've actually never used a true aftershave before...never really understood before why I would) and I liked the way it felt after the alcohol evaporated off. I've mostly been browsing the soap section of the forum. guess I ought to spend some time reading in the post-shave section a bit.

one thing I thought was amusing...I just saw on Facebook the other day that an old college friend just bought his first straight razor.

Well, I bought a few products yesterday that I can try out. I got everything from SRD so I only had to pay 1 shipping bill. they have a good selection, but were unfortunately out of Proraso pre-post. I'll have to try that later.

What I did get:
Proraso cream
A selection of SRD soap scents in sample size (minus a few...I don't want to smell like tobacco, patchouli, or lavender).
some thayer's witch hazel aftershave - I'm curious about how I'll like an alcohol-free formula
a pre-shave exfoliating wash from Pacific Shaving Company

It sounds like you ordered some GREAT products. Enjoy the shave!

Originally Posted by nomoore

It sounds like you ordered some GREAT products. Enjoy the shave!

It seemed like it, from looking at product descriptions and comparing to posts here. I labored over the decisions and browsed so much that my shopping cart timed out twice before I placed my order.

Had a long post typed out but the damn ipod does not have an undo option when something screws up the whole post. Ugh.

Shaved with the proraso cream today and boy, does that stuff feel nice!

And it is noob friendly to make lather. I had no troubles there aside from making a good bit more lather than I needed