Thread: Hello All!

Welcome, sailor. Let us know how wet shaving goes on a moving ship!

Well I dont know much, but I do know to NEVER use CrOx every time before shaving!!!

Originally Posted by parkerskouson

Well I dont know much, but I do know to NEVER use CrOx every time before shaving!!!

Yeah that was the last straw when I knew the salesman was bullshitting me.

I have been looking at a bunch of info all over the web on DE razors, it seems that most vintage razors will be fine with a good blade but I still am a bit concerned knowing very little about them.

Thanks for the replies.

Hey Sam,
Nun2sharp said it all (smile).

I happened to find the AOS store in Philadelphia a few months after I joined SRP. I went in and asked the salesman if they carried hones? They didn't. Then I pointed to the display case of T-I razors and asked who he recommended his customers take their straight razors to when they need touching up? He didn't seem to know what I was talking about.

Perhaps Art Of Shaving keeps straight razors in stock to make the store appear more "arty" when a customer comes in to buy a pack of Gillette Fusion razor blades? I really don't know. But it was obvious that the AOS in Philly provided no support for the straight razors they had for sale.

I bought a tub of AOS "Lavender Essential Oil For Sensitive Skin" shaving cream. It wasn't bad, but I have to say I found my Proraso cream much easier to whip up than the AOS. I found that I even liked the no-name tube of shaving cream that Whole Foods Market carried much better than the AOS cream. What with vendors like Straight Razor Designs, I can't see any reason to return to AOS. But that's just me.

And I'm afraid I don't have any soap recommendations for you. I discovered über lather using VdH soap, Proraso cream and a few drops of glycerine and it worked out so well that I just don't see a reason (at this time anyway) to fix what ain't broke.

I recently started using DE razors again. As far as older Gillettes go that you will find on eBay or in antique stores, the ones with solid guard bars will give you a fairly mild, comfortable shave. The open comb guard Gillettes will give you a more aggressive shave, which can require some practice before you will consider the shave comfortable.

I would recommend any of the Gillette adjustable razors for obvious reasons. "Fat Boy" adjustables generally command a higher price than "Slim" adjustables or Black Handle Super Adjustables, but they give the exact same shave. The 195 "Bottom Dial" adjustable is extremely rare and prices will reflect the high demand for them by serious collectors.

If you might like some advice on brands/types of new DE razors, post a question on the Shaving With Safety Razors forum. There are knowledgeable members there who would be happy to share their experience with you.
Namaste,
Morty -_-

Hey guys, just a check in. INo longer consider myself a beginner to shaving, but I have learned a lot between this site, the badger and blade and reddit's wickedegde. I got back into the Navy, and I am in Charleston SC now.

I would say I get a pretty decent shave most days. Stuff like acne can be a pain and I have a bad habit of picking at my face, but usually isnt a big deal and my skin has been pretty clear.

Moved on from straight razors a bit, my current set up is an early gold ball end Gillette Tech, the Simpson's brush I think that is mentioned in this thread, and for lather use some AOS soap (i know I bashed AOS above, but this is their best soap and it was a gift) and a dab of Proraso. I do a two pass shave most days with good results. Still have my Dovo and my other straight (name and model escapes me atm).

Anyways just a quick thanks and check in to all those who contributed or had something nice to say.