Greetings From Massachusetts

Hey all,

I sort of introduced myself on my first thread about some DE razor questions but I figured I'd do it formally here.

I'm about 19 and since I think 13 I've been shaving with a (cheap) electric shaver. The other day I came across my freebie 18th birthday Gillette Fusion and went out and bought some shaving gel and tried it out. I really enjoyed the closeness of the shave and I don't think I'll ever go back to electric.

I came across some Youtube videos of DE shaving and it really piqued my interest. I bought my Merker 38C with a blade sample pack and an "entry-level" badger brush which came today, but I'm waiting on my soap to come before I'll give it a whirl.

Seeing as this is Straight Razor Place I will say that I'm not completely turn off from possibly trying out a straight razor...the thing is most of the year I'm away at college and it's a little strange to say the least to have a strop in my dorm room. Possibly something I'll try when I'm out of college or if I can find some sort of outstanding deal for stuff to try out over the summer.

Either way I think I'm done with the electric for good and I really would rather not buy into the marketing gimmick that is cartridge razors, so I think wet-shaving is something I'll be taking up! :)

Welcome, we are pleased to have you join in on the fun:)

A DE is a fine shaving instrument, nothing wrong with it at all.
If your curiosity grows when it comes to straights, we will do the best we can to you help you out:)

Welcome to SRP!
A stop hanging in your dorm room is not a problem... they have lots of uses :) i had one at college, much more recently 2 of my nephews got through college with out a strop related issue. the issue they had was stupid roommates and razors. the uninformed often do silly things with razors.
but for many the starting place is a good DE and actually learning how to shave. you are well along that path and yes the cartridge and electric trimmer have to go.

enjoy,
jim

Yeah I think I'll start on a DE when my supplies come in, and if all goes well keep using it through the year. Maybe next summer I'll look into at least trying out a straight.