Thread: If Only One . . .

Originally Posted by MisterMoo

Yes! I went from cold rinse to witch hazel and an air dry this morning . Here - I thought it out; essentials in black and white.



1. Razor: a great razor, preferably square point and a bit short $50
2. Strop: 2.5" top grain home made $2
3. Brush: Semogue 1305 $20
4. Shaving cream or soap: something - anything $4
5. Cup: doubles for cappuccino after shaving; absent need of cappuccino I can lather in my palm
6. Astringent: Thayer's Witch Hazel $3
7. Styptic pencil - any brand $2
8. Mirror - something indoor/outdoor versatile $10

I thought Proraso preshave was essential but I'm going to scratch it. I could argue hones and a second razor are essential but they are not until I drop or dull the Duck, at which time I could stop shaving until I get the blade back from the honer guy. I did the drill at essential levels this morning and it's plenty. I concede the luxuries or non-essentials are what make the sport more enjoyable. I like Obies list way better than mine.

Still, I count eight items as shaving essentials. I suppose dropping the cup and the styptic pencil wouldn't be the end of the world; that'd be six. Warning to new guys - the slope is only as slippery as you decide to make it. I count a $91 bare bones buy-in to play at the essential level.

MisterMoo,
A good soap around the price you're looking for is Fume, from Turkey, which shaveabuck.com carries. Also try Arko shave creams, which are affordable. You just have to keep trying different soaps to see which works for you. Some you will like and some not. For instance, I tried Green Mountain soap and found it not very good. I have never known a soap to turn chalky so fast, despite feeding it water constantly. Also, the cushion unimpressive. I know Green Mountain has a following, but I am dumping mine after giving it a good try. Oy!

So, yes, you'll need to try a variety of soaps, although you need to work with a wider price range. A fine soap that I highly recommend ($10) is Provence Sante, from France. This soap has everything you need: moist lather, comfortable cushion and good glide.

For a pre-shave that is relatively low price, try Edwin Jagger. It has some eucalyptus, although not as overpowering as that in Proraso.

Razor: CV Heljestrand MK 32
Strop: Certifyd Red Imp shell
Hone: Escher yellow/green 'Barber's Delight
DE: Merkur 137C Slant
Blade: Feather
Brush: Simpson Polo 8 two band
Soap: Williams (being realistic)
Cream: Castle Forbes
Alum: Bloc never tried it
Splash: Pinaud Bay Rum
Balm: never tried it
Cologne: don't use perfume ...... I'm a "real man"

Originally Posted by Obie

MisterMoo,
A good soap around the price you're looking...

I am in the Proraso and Lucky Tiger camp right now but happily using the gifted tub of AoS cream in the photo. I dropped the $4 soap estimate as a "Williams Puck" lowball buy-in estimate.

For a pre-shave that is relatively low price, try Edwin Jagger. It has some eucalyptus, although not as overpowering as that in Proraso.

Will do, thanks - next up. I have a local that stocks both EJ and Proraso.

Keeping it really ‘simple’:

Razor: A Filly Barbas Duras 14 and a W&B Barbers Use Only

Leather / Linen Strop: Vintage reconditioned Shapleigh Shell Model DE56 with Solid Woven Silk Finish linen strop picked up for cheap on EBAYl

Hone: Escher blue/green 'Barber's Gem’ or AM Hone Co. Frictionite 00

Brush: Vintage reconditioned Pure Badger ‘Macy #10’ Beehive picked up for cheap on EBAY

Soap: Home made with glycerine and shea butter cream: about $5

After Shave: Mennen Skin Bracer… $5