New to DE / Saftey Razors- Need some insight. What razor/cream/ blades/aftershave?

Hello,
I am new to DE/ Saftey Razors, I mean very new. I just realized there was even such a thing. I was un aware people still even used them. Forgive me for being nieve, but I am probably younger than most other members on here.

I am just fed up with my Gillette Fusion, from the quality of the shave, to the blades dulling very quickly, to the price of the blades, to the blue strip on the cartrage drying up. I just knew there was better ways to get the job done. I know even mentioning a disposable razor on the site is probably taboo but that is precisley why I am here.

A few questions.
What razor to start with? As with any new interest, research is key but I am confused by the use if the word aggressive when describing razors. What exactly is meant by that?

Right now I have interest in a few razors after reading around, vintage Gillete "FatBoy" as well as a Edwin Jagger 89L, simply because of the reccomendation of Obie.

Are either of them better for a novice such as myself?

Also, I have thick hair and I dont shave every day so what would be my best bet on blades?
How many shaves should I expect from a single blade?

Preshave, Shaving cream/soap, Aftershave...?
I am kind of confused as to what the alternatives are to can shaving cream?
What is the brush for? Do you mix your own? Brands?

Use after shave? What brands are good?

That should get my started, I am sure I will be asking more questions as well as sharing experience here once I get going, I just want to be prepared when I try my first shave.


Thanks in advance,
KidFrost

Hello, Kidfrost:

Every gentleman is welcome at Straight Razor Place regardless of his age. Any lady regardless of her age, as well. So Welcome to Straight Razor Place.

Of the two razors you have mentioned, I suggest opting for the Edwin Jagger. The Gillette Fatboy is a fine razor, with a huge following, but I find it a slightly rougher shave, even on the No. 1 setting, than the silky Edwin Jagger. Some gentlemen will disagree with me, but that is my suggestion.

For blades, I suggest starting with the Gillette 7 O'Clock "sharp edge" (in the yellow pack), the Personna "Red Packs," and the Derby. These will give you a good variety. After that you can explore more razor blades and find what works best for you.

For cream, I suggest trying Pre de Provence, which some local quality soap shops seem to carry, or Dr. Bigelow, which is Proraso of Italy in different clothes. Both are quality creams. Also, try a quality soap. If there is a L'Occitane shop in your city, their soap is quite good, about $10 a puck, and will last a long time. You can also try Van Der Hagen and Williams, both available at local pharmacies. I am not all that fond of the last two, but they will do for now.

For a brush, I suggest a pure-grade badger from Omega or Edwin Jagger. Omega also has a good range of quality boar bristle brushes. Right now you need one brush.

Beyond that, please dig into the Wiki here at SRP for a vast amount of information, watch as many videos as can find, and keep on shaving.

I'll be more than happy to mentor you, if you like. You're more than welcome to send me a personal message.

We're delighted to have you with us.

Regards,

Obie

Quote:

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Originally Posted by KidFrost

What razor to start with? As with any new interest, research is key but I am confused by the use if the word aggressive when describing razors. What exactly is meant by that?

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Don't forget: you can always support the Chinese economy by purchasing a new Weishi DE! It's considered a mild shaver, which is good for beginners.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by KidFrost

Preshave, Shaving cream/soap, Aftershave...?
I am kind of confused as to what the alternatives are to can shaving cream?
What is the brush for? Do you mix your own? Brands?

---

Umm, exactly how young are you, Kid Frost? Check out lathering or somethin' on youtube. Then you'll figure out the brush thing. I think Pre de Provence is good advice. Stay away from Williams if your wrists tire easily (or not, if you're as young as I suspect..).

Quote:

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Originally Posted by KidFrost

Use after shave? What brands are good?

That should get my started, I am sure I will be asking more questions as well as sharing experience here once I get going, I just want to be prepared when I try my first shave.

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Mmmmmm.. the gorier the better! I wait with bated breath!

Seriously, don't worry about mentioning the F word, we consider you to be a refugee and try to be understanding, even empathetic to your kind! And welcome to the best straight razor forum on the planet!

Razors, Brushes and Blades are a YMMV item. As for razors pick one that you think you would like to use, odds are you will buy more in time. The same holds true for brushes. Buy what you think you would want to use. The Best advice I can give is to get a blade sampler pack. What works for me may not work for you, thus a sampling of different blades will start you off to a good start.

I'm shaving with str8 for almost 5 years now and want to try a DE. I bought a EJ89BA11 Barley and can tell you that this one is VERY forgiving and mild. A little to mild for my taste but a really good starter. I bought with the feather blades and Gillette 7o'clock black and they are good blades. So I bought a Gillette slim adjustable to see how she shaves but didnt get it yet cause CanadaPost are in strike.:banghead:

cheers and have fun!!

KidFrost,

+1 on the previous advice. Personally, I would opt for the Edwin Jagger. They are exceptionally well made, come in a variety of styles and are reasonably priced. I would opt for the lowest priced EJ you can find. As has already been noted, you will eventually wind up purchasing one or more additional razors over time.

As for blades...Find an online vendor who offers a sampler pack that contains the de razor blades Obie and my other SRP comrades have suggested. The sampler pack will probably contain other brands of blades as well. Try them all to find the one that gives you the best shave for the money. Since you don't shave everyday, but have a rather heavy beard, I suspect that your blade may last you no more than 4-5 shaves tops. You be the judge about this once you begin shaving. That may seem a rather low number of shaves, but you must remember that de razor blades are quite inexpensive, compared to cartridge razors.

You can get a decent quality brush and soap at your local Walgreens, Target or Wal-Mart. Van der Hagen has a soap & brush set that you can purchase at any of these stores.

As for shaving emollients...Since you have a rather heavy beard, I would opt for shaving cream over soap. This is not to dissuade you from trying the soaps which have already been recommended, but in my experience I found that creams tend to moisturize my face and soften my beard a bit more than shaving soap. I would recommend Proraso for starters. It is quite good and inexpensive. Irisch Moos and Tabac make good quality shaving creams as well. They make shaving soaps too, but as I have noted, for now, I would opt for these brand's shaving creams for your type of beard. A more expensive, high quality shaving cream is Castle Forbes that is high on my list.

When shaving, apply lather with your brush, then massage it into your beard and let it sit for 3-5 minutes. Rinse and apply some bay rum to your face to set up your beard. Then reapply your shaving lather and shave with your de razor. Afterwards, rinse your face thoroughly with warm, then cold water and apply some witch hazel. Last, but not least, apply some type of aftershave balm (ie. Nivea) and then aftershave of your choosing. One aftershave you may want to try is Pinaud Clubman. It is quite popular around here and is inexpensive.

I hope that this information helps. Take care...

First thing you need to do is forget about that Obie fella. He'll put you in the poorhouse.

Just kidding.

There is a lot to choose from out there. If I were you I would go for an EJ model that is reasonable in price. You will get a great shave from it.As far as soap goes I would say, if you can afford it go with an English Milled soap. If you want real basic yea Williams will get the job done.

As to brushes there is a universe out there. You first need to decide the price and the feel you want and that will guide you. As to blades like others have said get a sampler pack.

+1 to all the advice on the thread already. DEFINITELY go with a sampler pack when it comes to choosing a blade. Everyone's face is different, therefore the perfect blade for them is different. Some will swear by Derbys while others think Derbys are the devil. The only thing there seems to be a general consensus on is that Merkurs are lacking for most people, and that Feathers are damn sharp. I HIGHLY suggest watching all of Mantic59's videos on YouTube. He has great videos on choosing a blade, shaving technique, building lather, etc.

The Merkur HD is touted as a great razor for the beginning DE shaver. I can't comment personally on that model since I don't own it, but I can tell you that I get excellent shaves from my Merkur Futur. It's a little on the pricey side ($60-80 depending on where you look), but it yields excellent shaves and can be adjusted (like the Fatboy) to give a more or less aggressive shave.

You don't have to drop a load of cash on your first brush. A pure badger brush, quality boar brush, or even a good synthetic brush will get the job done just fine in the meantime. I've even heard some people swear by the Tweezerman brush you can find on Amazon for a very low price. As with blades, the brush you prefer will depend on your style and what your face likes.

Aftershave will also take some experimentation. Some people use nothing but an alum block, while others use higher end products like Geo F. Trumper's Skin Food (very highly regarded), which can be used as an aftershave as well as something to add to lather or even a pre-shave. I use Proraso post/pre-shave cream and like it very much. If you're into the cool, menthol sensations, then I suggest you give it a try since it is very reasonably priced.

What I can tell you for sure is that it's going to take some time to find the right combo of cream, blades, and aftershave to suit your style. Be patient, and don't give up.

It looks like you have a lot of great advice here. I would definitely take up Obie on his offer, he is a great guy and while not everything that works for him will work for you; he has done enough research that he knows what direction to guide you from your starting point.
One major recommendation is do not try the vintage blades. Some of them are great and impossible to find. Some you'll get and they will have a lot of microchipping due to age.
On that not I have to go search out more 40 year old gillette blades for the wife.

Hey guys,
I am quite suprised I have gotten all the responces and advise that I have. Thank all of you very much. I have read all of your posts .. at least twice and I am taking in all the info that I can. By the way AxelH, I dont know how young you "suspect" I am but I am 23. After reading around and gaining a little more knowleadge I realize I might not be the youngest in the crowd but I had assumed that this may be a more 30's and up crowd. lol.

Since my first post I have purchased quite a few things to get me started, all from Obie.
He aggreed to sell me a few of his DE razors and most all of the other products I need to get started.
I have since bought:
A brand new Edwin Jagger 89L
A lightly used Murkur Mergress
A quite worn in vintage Gillete Superspeed
Pre de Provence cream
Mitchell's Wool Fat soap
Shea Butter Shave pure badger brush
Styptic pencil
and Obie also was so gratious to include a sampler pack of a variety of blades.

I will be glad to share my experience converting to DE shaving, I will keep reading and most likley buying razors and accessories, b.c. I already see how your guy have become so addicted to shaving. BTW In doing research and looking around I have set my eye on a specific razor (link below).. but the price... If anyone has or knows of a used one for sale please fill me in.

http://www.royalshave.com/p/407-035-...aving-set.html

Thanks again guys, and Thanks espically to Obie,

KidFrost

My dear KidFrost:

You are very welcome. Those products should get you started in the right direction. What's more, we're all here to help out.

Oh, yes, that Pils set of razor, brush and stand is stunning. It oozes class. I've eyed it for quite a while, but the price gives me hot flashes. I have the razor, and maybe one of these days I'll wink at the brush and the stand to complete the set. Let me see, my birthday is June 29th, and perhaps I should print a copy of the set and let it find its way to the dining room table just in case the dearly beloved or my girls sashay by.

Regards,

Obie

Hello SRP,

My package from Obie arrived today, and I got to admire my new Edwin Jagger 89L, Mukur Mergress, and Vintage Gillete Superspeed. All very nice tools. I also got the oportunity to shave for the first time in my lfe with a DE straight razor.
My results well, are mixed. Heres the hardware and accompaning products.

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f4...-00-19_322.jpg

For starters: Heres my 6 day old beard. I let it grow in anticipation of my new shaving endevour.

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f4...-00-41_354.jpg
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f4...-00-56_237.jpg
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f4...-01-26_940.jpg

Heres my first lather using Shea Butter Shave Cream.


http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f4...-12-18_240.jpg

My first tool of choice was mt amazing looking Murkur Mergress with a Murkur Platinum blade.
With this setup I proceded to my three pass shave. After the first pass I decided to change the setting from 1 to 3. After my second pass I was not impressed. I wasnt nearly as close as I can get from a "cartrage" razor. And I was getting more razor burn as well. I figured I must have beein doing somthing wrong.

So.. I changed my tool. I then put a Gillette 7 o clock blade into my Edwin Jagger 89L... and proceded with my 3rd pass...

And boy did I change my mind immediately. It shaved like a dream. It glided like a champion hockey player. It was also extremely close in compairson to my previous setup.

So I am not sure if it was my blade, the setting on the Murkur, or simply my technique but switching from the Murkur to the EJ made a big difference.

After I was finished and a quick rinse, I alpplied Edwin Jagger aftershave "Sea Buckhorn" that Obie inlcuded for free. It was a nice soothing feeling, enjoyable.

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f4...-10-35_455.jpg
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f4...-10-45_389.jpg

So my end results are good with a positive outlook. I will continue to experiment with blades and razors and settings but so far I have found an instant winner in the EJ 89L.

One question, Do you guys think my choice of blade in the Murkur was wrong? Im thinking I might try a Gillette 7 oclock in the Mergress next..

So thanks again guyf for the help, advise, and good info.
Again Obie a special thanks to you.

-KidFrost

Hello, KidFrost:

I am glad you enjoyed your starter kit. The Merkur blades work perfectly for some gentlemen and are not good for others. Still, it's good to try a variety of blades to set a standard of sorts.

Yes, I would try the Gillette 7 O'Clock "yellow packs" in the Mergress. Dial the razor to No. 2 and start from there. Those Gillettes are high on the sweet parade. The Mergress is the modified Merkur Progress, which is known as somewhat of an aggressive razor. The smoothness of the Gillettes is bound to tame the Mergress.

I cannot say enough about the Edwin Jagger 89L. The razor is not only lovely to look at and sports impeccable workmanship, but I also find it high on my comfortable list. It's just a sweet razor in every way. Any of your blades should work well in it. On second thought, try the Merkur in the Edwin Jagger, too. If you still experience irritation, then you'll know the Merkur blades are not for you.

Enjoy your stash and keep us informed on your progress.

Regards,

Obie

A little piece of advice that was passed down to me is to try and stick with one routine for a while, especially when starting out. Since there is likely a lot of variation in your technique, angle, and prep from day to day, it will be hard to really tell the difference between different products. Yes, maybe the Merkur blade was no good, but it's also possible that your prep wasn't up to par, your angle was off, etc etc.

Once you know your technique is a bit more solid, then you'll get more out of switching to various other blades, razors, and products. I'm not saying you have to wait until you're a master DE shaver until you experiment with different products, but I'd recommend using the same process for at least 4-5 shaves before trying something new.

I agree wholeheartedly with the previous post by MisterSensitive. Sometimes repeating a process that originally resulted in a poor outcome is beneficial to confirm that a particular blade or technique is not right for you. I, too, did not do well with Merkur blades. I used them for my first 4 or 5 DE shaves and experienced heavy irritation. I noticed Personna blades in the picture you posted of your new supplies - those are my favorites and have been using them exclusively for over a year now. Be sure to give those a try!

Day 2:
I decided to take another swing at my new shave style, this time with ony 24Hrs of growth on my face.

This time I used Mitchells Wool Fat shaving soap, My Edwin Jagger with a Gillette 7 oclock blade and Edwin Jagger after shave lotion.

The results were much better. Still a bit more razor burn than a Mach 3 but far less than yesterday. I felt a little more comfortable today and was a little bit quicker.

I am going to stick to this setup for the rest of the week.

all in all.. thumbs up

Edit:

OOH! Is the Stypic Pencil not suppose to get wet?
Yesterday I got a small nick, so I stopped grabbed my pencil, wet it with warm water and rubbed the nick. It worked very well. I placed it on the back of the sink and continued.

Today I go in for my shave and the pencil is almost completely melted away and dried up on my sink .. just a small piece remains. LOL

Can I buy one of these locally?

Hello, KidFrost:

Always run the styptic pencil tip under cold water, dab your knick, run the styptic pencil under cold water again and just pat it dry on your towel. You should be fine. And, yes, you can get a Pinaud styptic pencil from your local pharmacy. Remember to run the tip under cold water.

Your shave will improve day by day. Don't go over the same spot multiple times. On a given pass, try only one stroke in the same spot and move on to the next. In the subsequent passes in different directions, do the same thing. Also keep the pressure as low as possible. Imagine you're holding a feather in your hand. The Mergress is a heavy razor, so be especially mindful of the pressure.

By the way, by honing your skill with the double edge you'll discover that the Mach 3 will be a distant memory. Don't forget to send me a personal message if you have specific questions.

You're doing fine. Stay with it.

Regards,

Obie

Happy birthday Obie. Thanks for taking KidFrost under your wing and showing him how to get started. You are truly a gentleman. KidFrost, glad you are happy with your new tools and I hope you enjoy using them for years to come.

Walter

Quote:

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Originally Posted by whavens

Happy birthday Obie. Thanks for taking KidFrost under your wing and showing him how to get started. You are truly a gentleman. KidFrost, glad you are happy with your new tools and I hope you enjoy using them for years to come.

Walter

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My dear Walter,

Thank you for remembering my birthday, and for the kind words

Yes, our good friend KidFrost is coming along swimmingly. He is a delight to work with. A gentleman. Before long, I might add, he will be floating through his morning shave.

Regards,

Obie

Day 3:

Again today I chose to go with my Edwin Jagger mated to a Gillette 7 o clock as you guys suggested I stick to. I also used the same soap and lather.

Also this time I stuck to a 3 pass shave .. but after the first pass I started to get some serious tug and pull and subsequent bleeding ( little patches of blood spots, which I treated w. my new styptic) I knew I hadent changed my angle or tecnique, nor was I trying to speed up the process. So I decided to change the Gilette 7 oclock blade out (that i have only used twice or 6 passes) with a brand new one and the results were supurb, while I still had some irritation from the previous blade the new one worked nicely.

I did change one thing about my routine, since I ran out of the sample pack of Edwin Jagger aftershave lotion, yesterday I dropped by the local pharmacy and grabbed some Nivea "cooling" aftershave balm, and today I used it.. Much to my approval. At first b.c. of my open wounds It burned but it was soon followed by a very soothing cooling sensation which calmed my face down from the shave. Nivea gets 2 :thumbsup:.

Now, Have you guys ever heard of someones beard chewing up a blade in two shaves? Of only a days worth of growth each time?

Should I maybe switch to a sharper blade? if so what would you guys suggest?

Heres whats in my sampler pack from Obie:
Derby Extra
Dorco platinum- Stainless Blade
Astra Superior Platinum
Personna Platinums
Murkur Super Platinum

or should I order up some Feathers?

Thanks guys

-KidFrost

I have been using half a DE blade in my shavette and I have used the Gillette 7-o-clock and the Astras (among a couple of others.) I get 3-5 days worth out of the Gillette and Astra. The Gillette is smoother and nicer, but the Astra is sharper and may last a shave or two longer. My wife normally gets in a leg shave as well with the same blade as I use. I normally do 3-5 passes per shave without shaving my chin or mustache. Hope this helps.

I wouldn't necessarily try a sharper blade. Early on in your shave experience it is sometimes best to go with a less sharp blade (sometimes more forgiving for bad angles and too much pressure). I'd maybe try the derby's and try to keep the routine consistent until your technique improves.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by KidFrost

Day 3:

Again today I chose to go with my Edwin Jagger mated to a Gillette 7 o clock as you guys suggested I stick to. I also used the same soap and lather.

Also this time I stuck to a 3 pass shave .. but after the first pass I started to get some serious tug and pull and subsequent bleeding ( little patches of blood spots, which I treated w. my new styptic) I knew I hadent changed my angle or tecnique, nor was I trying to speed up the process. So I decided to change the Gilette 7 oclock blade out (that i have only used twice or 6 passes) with a brand new one and the results were supurb, while I still had some irritation from the previous blade the new one worked nicely.

I did change one thing about my routine, since I ran out of the sample pack of Edwin Jagger aftershave lotion, yesterday I dropped by the local pharmacy and grabbed some Nivea "cooling" aftershave balm, and today I used it.. Much to my approval. At first b.c. of my open wounds It burned but it was soon followed by a very soothing cooling sensation which calmed my face down from the shave. Nivea gets 2 :thumbsup:.

Now, Have you guys ever heard of someones beard chewing up a blade in two shaves? Of only a days worth of growth each time?

Should I maybe switch to a sharper blade? if so what would you guys suggest?

Heres whats in my sampler pack from Obie:
Derby Extra
Dorco platinum- Stainless Blade
Astra Superior Platinum
Personna Platinums
Murkur Super Platinum

or should I order up some Feathers?

Thanks guys

-KidFrost

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Hello, KidFrost:

I think the problem is more with your technique than your blades being dull. Those blades are all sharp. The Dorco 301s are the mildest, but quite smooth. The sharpest and smoothest are the Gillette "Yellow Packs" and the Personna "Red Packs." Astras are sharp, too, but I don't think they have the smoothness of the "Yellow Pack." If using the proper technique, you should not get any of those cuts.

Let's step back and examine what's going on:

1. Do not push the razor. Both straight and double edge razors are temperamental, with their own minds, and they don't take kindly to being pushed. Lay back and take it easy. Make sure you stretch the skin.

2. Hold the razor somewhere in the middle of the handle, slightly more toward the tip, and let the razor's weight do the work. Hold it as if you were holding a feather. The Mergress is especially heavy, and a great shaver, I might add, but she needs respect. Set it on 2 and proceed with caution. The Edwin Jagger is pure silk, especially in the Gillette "Yellow Packs." The tugging can be a dull razor, but in your case, I am quite sure is more technique than anything else.

3. Hold the razors generally at an approximately 20 to 30-degree angle.

4. For the next few days shave north to south only, and only two passes until you get the true feel of the double edge razor and the double edge blade. Be careful in the neck area, the mustache and the chin. Careful about how you place the razor on the face. Many cuts occur at that time. Also, do not let the razor rest on your face. The razor needs to be moving at all times.

5. Make only one stroke on a given spot; then move to the next spot. Only one stroke. Excessive strokes on the same spot will give you razor burn, especially when doing three passes.

6. Eliminate the Merkurs — they might work for you when you refine your technique. I don't think you need to move up to Feather blades yet. They are great blades. Right now you need to experience the others through a proper razor technique before moving on. I get a great shave with any of those blades and in any razor, from a vintage Gillette to Edwin Jagger, Merkur, Feather and Pils. It's technique. Yours will come, but you must be methodical and refrain from pushing the razor.

You should be able to get three shaves from each blade. I change blades after three shaves, and my Assyrian beard is heavy.

So let's start all over again, but this time concentrate on the following:
a. Be methodical.
b. Be patient.
c. Don't push the razor.
d. Only two north-south passes. Limit your strokes in each area.
e. Stretch.
f. Properly prepare the beard.
g. Rinse with warm water followed by cold. Apply Super Witch Hazel With Aloe Vera. Here's a link for you:
Thayers Natural Remedies Medicated Superhazel with Aloe Vera 12 fl oz Liquid - Swanson Health Products

Stay with it. You're almost there.

Regards,

Obie

I have scars older than you.....You made some good choices on equipment. You can't go wrong on what you got. I had a super speed and like it alot. I like the Fat boy better, but it is personal preference..But, you know what they say about "opinions"..Every one has one....

Now gather your stuff up, hop off my grizzled lap and go put you big boy pants on...Of course I am just kiddin' you...Just in case you live nearby and are taking up DE's becuse you like the smell of blood....

Day 4:

Best day yet!

Using your guys' advise I am sticking with the same blade and I have read Obies' post a few time to make sure I am following my guidance.

Wintchase.. umm.. are you drunk?

What else can I say, same routine:
Edwin Jagger 89L - Loaded with a Gillette 7 oclock
Mitchells Wool Fat shaving soap
Thick lather
3 Pass shave
Nivea "Cooling" aftershave balm

Used the same blade and payed better attention to my angle. This netted me better results. I ended up with only 1 nick which my styptic stopped instantly.

Today I DID NOT RUSH at all but I did time myself to see what kind of time I am using to get the job done.
I was able to complete my shave, use the styptic, wipe my Jagger down, aftershave, clean my soap cup, brush, and the sink all in about 13 minutes. I dont know if thats good or bad but its quicker than I expected.

Only note:

I do however still get some serious tug in the area between my chin and and the corners of my mouth, this is where my beard grows in the fastest and is the darkest and thickest. I still working on the best way to attack that area i.e. angle and direction.

OOH Almost forgot, Question about preshave prep.

In one of Mantic59's video's he suggests preping your face by holding a hot towel on it and making sure it is completly wet. This is what I have been doing. This is ALL I have been doing to prep.

Good? Bad? Suggestions?

Thanks in advance,
-KidFrost

Quote:

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Originally Posted by KidFrost

OOH Almost forgot, Question about preshave prep.

In one of Mantic59's video's he suggests preping your face by holding a hot towel on it and making sure it is completly wet. This is what I have been doing. This is ALL I have been doing to prep.

Good? Bad? Suggestions?

Thanks in advance,
-KidFrost

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I prefer to have a hot shower before my shave. Sometimes, if I'm really going for a BBS shave, I'll take a shower AND use a hot towel against my face. If you're skipping the shower, just make sure you have the towel against your face for a good one to two minutes at least.

Hello, KidFrost:

Things are slowly beginning to fall into place. Good for you. Here are some thoughts:

Around the chin, stretch your skin, lower the razor angle a bit and shorten your strokes as if you're buffing. Still, here you must be extra careful.

The hot towel works. I always shave after the shower and, therefore, see no need for the hot towel. If you have the time, the towel is a pleasant experience, as well as a good way to prepare the face.

How long it takes you to shave is unimportant — as long as you don't rush it. Your shave is not a race. Shave at your natural pace and the ideal time for you will develop as you're honing your technique.

Regards,

Obie

Hope everyone had a happy ans safe July 4th!

Day 8: 6th shave.

A big thanks! To every one here at SRP!
Again a special thanks to Obie.

Today was wonderful, I had the best shave ever.

I stuck it out last week with the EJ 89L and Gillette 7 O'clock (as I was advised) and was getting better and better shaves.

This week, after letting my beard grow all weekend I decided to change it up and compare results. After having BAD results I left my beautiful Murkur Mergress sit since my first shave. Today however I called upon its services. This time going with a Personna "Platinum Chrome" blade and with the razor set to "2". I also had a few thoughts about my technique over the weekend, and I changed my 3 pass technique. I still used 3 passes but I went 2 passes with the grain and only 1 against and I am not sure wether it was the blade, razor, change in tech. or what but it produced the best shave of my life. The best part is I can still see room for improvement.

I have to say the Murkur blades must not be for me.

I have NO nicks, not one. VERY VERY little razor burn along my jaw bone, where I have been getting burn. Its is the most BBS shave Ive ever had.

So thanks again guys for the pointers and I hope to keep improving.

-KidFrost

Hello, KidFrost:

You are on your way. Congratulations. Keep taking it slowly and methodically. The razor burn along the jawline is probably the result of one too many strokes with the razor. Also, because that is an awkward area, tendency is there to put a touch more pressure than necessary.

The Merkur blades are either liked or hated. Now that you know they don't work for you, put them aside and never use them again. Little by little you'll discover what blades are ideal for you.

Well done, my good man.

Regards,

Obie

Yet again another day of pleasurable shaving.. I intend on staying with it..

I have a few questions on products. I am looking for some more shaving creams. I like the soap puck I have been using but I would like to explore some more products for pre shave prep as well as shave lather, and after shaves. I am sure there are some higher end products that work better or nicer for some people. I would like some opinions and info as to where to buy them.

Thanks guys

-KidFrost

Hello, KidFrost:

Wet shaving products abound. Here are some thoughts:

Creams: Truefitt & Hill, Geo F Trumper, Taylor of Old Bond Street, Castle Forbes, Institute Karite, Coates and D.H. Harris are some of the quality products out there.

Pre-shave: My favorite is Castle Forbes.

Aftershaves: Here you run into a bigger consideration on personal taste. I don't care for the designer fragrances. The aftershaves I use are: Spanish Leather by Truefitt & Hill as well as Geo F Trumper; Woods of Windsor; Penhaligon's aftershaves; Castle Forbes aftershaves; No. 6 by Caswell-Massey; No. 74 Victoria Lime by Taylor of Old Bond Street; Pasha (an old British barbershop scent); Royal Copenhagen; English Leather; and Pinaud's Clubman. There are many more.

Regards,

Obie