Hello from Indiana.

I have been a lurker for a bit and have been asking santa for a nice de for a while but while I was out killing time today I stopped in a old junk shop and snagged two razors a old gillette de and a straight I also bought some wilkinson sword blades just to try it out. I did get some weepers but not near as bad as I thought it was going to be thank god.I have always used the 3 or 4 blade razors and refills but they blow goats compared to the de I love the shave I just gotta figure it all out.Wish me luck.

Welcome to SRP and 'Good Luck' (you asked for it ....hehehehe)

DE will come to you quick. Remember to use lass pressure then your cartridge, and use the beard reduction method. Good soap goes a long ways with DeE or straight. Keep at it, you are up for a ride. Double O

I am six shaves in and no more bleeding I am using wilkinson sword blades just cause its all I can find around here. I guess I'll breakdown and order a sample pack offline to see what works best for me.so far the red tip is my favorite.

I have one question, do you use a brush and shaving soap/cream? To me and others, this would make the best transition from a multi blade cartridge to a DE or straight. Double O

Yes I did buy a van der hagen brush,soap,razor/brush stand and bowl. I am still working on the lathering process but I think I've been using to much water I cant seem to get it thick its almost like hand soap but I still get a smooth shave with lil to few knicks or weepers.

Try loading the brush for longer. Also VDH is an ok soap (used it and found it better than Williams), there are much better soaps for good price out there. I like and recommend Cella or Tabac. Both are easy to lather and very good soaps for little money. Double O