Thread: Hello All!

Hello! Let me share my story:

I have been dissatisfied with my Mach 3 for a very long time, and the company I work for has a "NO FACIAL HAIR POLICY" (I died and came back to the 1950's).

So I checked out numerous you tube videos and several posts on this site, and I ordered a flawed straight from Whipped dog. I also ordered the poor mans strop and brush and soap set.

But my impatient nature took over, and I went on a quest to find shaving supplies in brick and mortar stores. I live in Philadelphia, and for a major city, there is almost no shaving supplies beyond the can of goo and disposable razors. I was able to find a cheap soap, bowl and brush set in a drugstore.

So tonight marked my first quasi wet shave. I used the soap and brush set with my Mach 3. The lather wasnt as thick as I had hoped, maybe because of the boars hair brush, the soap, or my technique, or a combination of the three. I did 3 passes, rinsed and used an aftershave balm.

I must say I am pleased with the results, so is my fiancee! It was the smoothest shave I have ever had! It can only get better, once I get my straight and my badger brush!

I'm sure I will have numerous questions and observations once the rest of my equipment comes and I can do a full wet shave!

The shave soap you bought. Was it Van Der Hagen or whatever it is called. If it is and its just the basic one and not the deluxe you will have trouble getting a good lather especially since you are new and need practice working it up. I have a boar brush and it works ok but I prefer the badger as do most. Larry over at the whipped dog has a good thing going as far as the flawed razor's especially since it is only cosmetic and not going to effect its capabilities. He sells good brushes too and I think you will be pleased. You've made a wise choice going with a cheap strop and razor in the case that you damage either (you will damage your strop but if your careful you can spare the razor) Just go slow with it and be patient and smooth shaves will follow. Your first tries with the straight will most likely not be as satisfactory as with the cartridge but with practice and good prep you will get there in no time at all. Good luck and be sure to ask whatever questions you have. This is a great forum with lots of experienced members behind it. As far as finding a brick and mortar store with wet shaving supplies that can be tricky. The only one that I have found in my area is The Art of Shaving and they are quite expensive but high quality product.

Yes, it was the Van Der Hagen set. I also have an Art of shaving in Center City(downtown). They only had 1 straight in stock for $250. After that I didnt even bother asking about a brush and soap set. I ordered from Whipped Dog late Friday afternoon, Im hoping I get it by Wednesday.

Alot of places run out of straights really fast. The companies that make them do push out alot very fast. They do normally have brushes and soap but like I said and you saw for yourself they are expensive but they do make good stuff. Their soaps last for a long time so your actually getting your money's worth (in my opinion) from that.

Maybe I'll give them another shot after I get the stuff from Whipped dog.

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