Greetings from the Finger Lakes

Hello all. My name is Ted and I live near Canandaigua, NY. I recently returned to wet shaving after a long absence. When I first began shaving in my early teens my grandfather gave me a safety razor, Old Spice mug with soap, and a boar brush. I even did three pass shaves that I figured out by experimentation.

At some point I fell victim to the cartridge razor and had been in its clutches for over twenty years. My face was constantly irritated, I would shave once a week because I hated it so much. If course that only made things worse. Recently the irritation seemed to increase and for some reason I thought about shaving with a brush and cup again. I started out with that same old brush and a Surrey mug that also belonged to my grandfather; along with some new Williams shaving soap. Though still using the cartridge I did notice some improvement. Then I started researching and watching shaving videos(thanks Geofatboy). Now I have a Dovo shavette and an Edwin Jagger DE89 that I have been using. I also bought a silvertip badger brush and some nice creams and soaps to try; as well as some pre and post shave products.
Things have been going much better in regards to my face and now I shave every night and find myself looking forward to that shave throughout the day. I think my next step before I go full straight razor will be one of the feather artist club ss razors. Not the DX that is a bit expensive for me.

Isn't it amazing that the old safety razor is actually better than the cartridge and canned crap that has been pushed since the 70's. Congrats on heading back in the right direction with the shavette, brush, and soap. Maybe the Amish have it right--new is not always better!

Hi and welcome. It is amazing how much crap you can put up with for a little convenience. Shaving is not as convenient any more but much better and enjoyable

I know what you mean. My wife says she doesn't see me because I am in the bathroom all the time but she has noticed a difference in my face. It does take quite a bit longer but it is such a soothing, pleasurable experience that I look forward to it as opposed to wanting to avoid it.