Originally Posted by jfrancisco
I have been wet shaving for about seven years now; my barber recommended a brush and fine soaps which I picked up from a shop on the Boston Commons. That change in my routine really helped stop the razor burn and blood-letting shaving had come to represent.
Since relocating to Colorado, I have not been able to find any of the soaps I liked, but a salesman at a local shop suggested trying a DE. Bought it, tried it . . . worst shaves of my life. I went back to the shop for help. While talking to them, I was given the distinct impression that I was an idiot for not knowing how to shave with a DE and that NO help was forthcoming. Needless to say I've never been back. I returned to wet shaving with a Mach III.
Phase revisited
A few weeks ago my wife suggested that we replace the brush, an inexpensive Omega that has served us very well, but is getting rather worn (yes . . . my wife loves using a brush and fine soaps when she shaves.) In looking around the internet for a brush, I came across an article on how to shave and the author strongly suggested a DE. I tried it again, armed with new knowledge, and had the best shave of my blood filled shaving career. No blood. No burn. I'm hooked and have come to enjoy the daily ritual.
I am at the point that I feel I'm ready to try shaving with a straight. I had come across SRP and after reading almost everything I can get my hands on, you guys have convinced me that there is a better way. So my DE phase has been revisited (successfully) and I am anxious to move on to my next phase . . . a straight.
Now if a starving graduate student can find a good, inexpensive starter blade, I would welcome any suggestions.