Hey folks. My name is Lawrence and I'm just getting started with wet shaving.
I've been lurking here for a couple months, reading a lot and trying to get a handle on the routine before I started. I got a shavette with some "Shark" brand blades, a badger brush from amazon and a puck of Williams soap from the local drug store. I know shavettes aren't held in very high regard around here (let alone the generic sort I got) but I thought it would get me started at least and when I was able to get a real straight, it would be that much better a transition.
I started slow as Lynn recommended in the Beginners Guide. Within a week I was doing full shaves and cleaning up with the ol' Mach 3 afterwards. I bit of blood, a lot of razor burn and a few weeks later, I'm now getting pretty good full shaves every day without going for the Mach at all afterward.
It has been quite the learning curve. The first couple days trying to shave my upper lip, I was nearly convinced it was impossible without cutting my lip off. Now it's the best part of the shave. I can't believe how much smoother I can get with the shavette than the old cartridge! I had no idea.
I think my skin is starting to "get used to it" because razor burn isn't an issue anymore (as long as I'm paying attention.) I've been using Nivea's Repleneshing Shave Balm afterward.
It's still far from perfect of course. I have a little trouble on the chin still and can't seem to get the bottom of it very close no matter what I do. I am however improving my technique for the rest almost daily. It's great to be able to see and feel improvement from day to day.
Beyond that, I'm totally hooked. I can't believe it; I actually look forward to shaving every day now.
I can't wait to get a decent 'real' straight and a strop, but it's just not in the budget at the moment... Hopefully sooner than later.
I'd like to say thanks to everyone here for all the posts and tips. I'd never have gotten this far with it if I hadn't had such a great resource of experience and advice to read from at SRP.
Best,
Lawrence