Today, I went to C&E, tomorrow I will become a Man.

[JohnnyWolf]

About two years ago, I decided that I should start using a shaving brush. I had no idea where to buy one, or what wet shaving even was. I even assumed that I could use the brush with my canned barbasol shaving cream.

Last week, I found Badger & Blade, and started to educate myself on the world of wet shaving, double edge razors, and the heritage and traditions of the gentleman's shave.

First I bought Jim Thompson's Parker 90R DE Safety Razor. I was originally going to wait and buy a Merkur HD as everyone recommends and was hesitant because doing a search on the Parker 90 R came back with nothing, but I went for it anyways. Jim was also kind enough to throw in a pack of (5) Derby's to get me started, so wish me luck.

Today, I went to Crabtree & Evelyn and had a little shopping spree. I bought the highly reccomended C&E Best Badger $35, which I found fantasticly made. I originally had bought & promptly returned a Proraso from Target ($12.99) which was a good size and feel but I disliked the chrome handle, and wanted a Badger brush. Then I went to Savon and laughed when I saw the $5.99 Burma Shave brush.

I also bought a second C&E Starter/Travel brush for only $5, its originally $12.50 but C&E Is having a promotion and is selling it for $5 with any men's purchase. For shaving cream I bought the glass tub of sweet almond oil which is half off for $12.50 and asked for samples of the other three scents.

I also bought a bowl from Crate & Barrel which for $3.50 which I think would be a good alternative to spending a lot on a proper shaving bowl, and looks nicer than using a mug.

I was trying to keep my budget down while not getting anything that I would regret, so wish me luck. I will update tomorrow after my first shave.

[Jonnybc]

Good luck JohnnyWolf, you have everything you need there. I think your approach is actually quite refreshing and you've got yourself a pretty good shaving kit for not much money.

You will almost certainly end up with a Merkur HD anyway... :biggrin:

[Ashe]

Looks like a nice setup you have there. Goodluck with your shave tomorrow and as you already mention, keep us updated of how it went!

[roughrider]

That's a nice way to start.

[rtaylor61]

Nice gear. You'll love the best badger brush and the Almond cream. And that bowl is cool!

Randy

[Leisureguy]

Nice kit, and I love the bowl. Tell us how it goes.

[Austin]

Good luck.

[Kyle]

Cool, man. Keep us informed of your progress.

[jduffy]

I can vouch for the brush and the cream as being great choices particularly for the prices.

BTW not everyone is into the Merkur HD as some suggest the Merkur Long Classic for a nicer grip. I took that advice and I'm very happy with it.

Good luck and enjoy all the great help here.

- Jim

[Gatorade]

I can attest that the brush and creams are used on a daily basis arround here. I used that same cream today as well so you are off to a great start.

Nice kit, and I love the bowl. Tell us how it goes.

Somehow I knew you would! I saw it and thought you would be making a run to C&B soon!

[fatt_tony]

Nice set up. When you returned the Proraso brush you should have picked up the Proraso shave cream. I heard nothing but good things about it, I have'nt got mine yet though.

Tony

[Jim]

Good luck, Let us know how you make out!

[mrob]

As mentioned above, you have taken a very intelligent and refreshing approach to putting together your starter kit. In fact, you may not need to upgrade anything that you've purchased so fa. . .

wait. . .:w00t: :w00t: :w00t:

hold on. . .:lol: :lol: :lol:

OK. . .:lol: :w00t: I'm back. . .

I think I just laughed up a lung! Can't believe I almost typed that you wouldn't need to buy any other shave gear!:tongue: :biggrin: :tongue:

What was I thinking?!?!?!?:biggrin:

But seriously, you've made some outstanding choices. I sense you'll be looking for a more solid razor in a few weeks, but the rest of your rig is top-rate. Bravo!:biggrin:


Oh. . .and I don't know exactly how you're planning on using this gear, but becoming a *man* often involves a *woman*:biggrin:

[Joedy]

...
Somehow I knew you would! I saw it and thought you would be making a run to C&B soon!

Would that happen to be a Fondue bowl? It is very nice and distinctive.

The only thing that would improve your kit is the bombshell Gillette brunette. (I know that she'd make my shaves even better.) :w00t:

-joedy

[fret]

Good kit. Welcome aboard.

[JohnnyWolf]

Thank you all for your warm welcomes and I must say, this is by far the friendliest forum I have ever been a member of.

I have this tradition that I do not shave on Sundays. Its not religious or passed down from any other belief, its just something that I've been doing for years now. I figure that it gives my skin a break, and myself one...from society.

But I just couldn't wait to try out my new brush. Unfortunately I will not be receiving the DE razor for a few day to a week, so I had to make due with my space alien of a razor, the Gillette Fusion Power. I thoroughly enjoyed taking my time to run a sink of hot water, and using a hot towel on my face. It felt like I was pampering myself, which is something that we Men take for granted day to day. Watching the cream lather up and smelling the natural sweet almond oil fill the room was invigorating, and the moment the badger hair brush touched my skin, I wondered how I ever shaved without it.

I look forward to tomorrow and the tomorrows to come. I’ll be seeing all of you on the board.

P.S. A proper stand is out of my budget at this time, so I made due with this makeshift, which aside from my Bengal cat thinking it’s a toy, is working quite nicely. And the bowl is actually a soup bowl I believe from Crate & Barrel purchased for $3.49.

[Joedy]

John,

Here's a tip in the meantime, you can fill your sink up halfway with HOT water and then submerge your bowl in the water (being careful not have the water overflow into the bowl). This will warm your cup and keep your lather warm.

-joedy

[rtaylor61]

That's what I call a "real man's" razor stand.

Randy

[Austin]

That's what I call a "real man's" razor stand.

Randy

DIY :biggrin:

[JohnnyWolf]

I received my Parker 90R the other day and had my first shave yesterday morning with a DE Razor. I was super super careful and barely put any pressure on the blade.

Today I was a little more confident with the blade and got a closer cut without having to irrate my skin with multiple passes. I look forward to shaving again tomorrow. It has definetely became a hobby of mine.

[mrob]

Welcome. . .to our little obsession!

[htownmmm]

I look forward to shaving again tomorrow. It has definetely became a hobby of mine. :wink:


First, welcome to the collective! :biggrin:


Hobby??? You don't know the power of the darkside!; resistance is futile, you will be assimilated!!!!!



Marty

[JohnnyWolf]

Mrob was right...I can't stop...I originally thought that I could just put together a kit that would satisfy me forever. I did my research found a good medium between price and greatness and was happy.

But now I cannot seem to stop looking around for more...better....or even just different equipment and accessories.

Here's my list so far of what I plan to buy next:

Blades: My 10 pack of Derby's won't last forever...so I might as well buy the sample pack of 10 each through Letter K so I can try them all to see what I like.

After Shave: After trying the Extact of Limes and Corral Skin food samples I realized that I need something to sooth my skin...I'm awaiting some more samples to arrive but I really do like the Thumper Limes aside from the sticky feeling it leaves.

Shave Soaps: Technically my glass tub of C&E Sweet Almond Cream would last me a while...but I'm curious to see the differencs between soaps and creams for myself. I'm planning on ordering some of Mama Bear's Hydrogen.

Colonge: I didn't realize how closesly related the two were...but the decant club sounds fun! And my 3 yr old colonges are starting to lose their lasting effect.

Brush Stand I'm putting this one off...but I know i'll eventually want a real brush stand.

Barber Towels: My face towel is somewhat too small, I think a proper shave towel would be better suiting.

Umm...that's it for now, but I'm sure i'll think of somemore.


:wink:


First, welcome to the collective! :biggrin:


Hobby??? You don't know the power of the darkside!; resistance is futile, you will be assimilated!!!!!



Marty

[Leisureguy]

The stand really isn't necessary---and when you get more brushes... I recommend also that at some point you try these two shaving creams: Taylor's Avocado, and J.M. Fraser's (http://www.thebeautyfactory.com/barber.htm) (scroll down).

Very good idea to try all the blades. I still haven't found one I like better than Feather, but you never know till you try.

[JohnnyWolf]

Within 20 minutes of writing that post and thinking about everything that I wanted to order...

I ordered two shave soaps from Mama Bear. The Hydrogen and Red Something.

And I also ordered 100 pack of Derby Extras. I was thinking about jumping on the Feathers deal for $29 shipped but I found the Derby's on ebay for an even better deal and they had equally good reviews.

[kennethw]

Nice. It was a little creepy to see our soup bowls being used to produce lather, but a stroke of genius nonetheless. My fiance is keen on using those bowls for toasting and serving French Onion soup. =)

(ours are from Crate & Barrel)

[JohnnyWolf]

I bought the bowl from Crate & Barrel as well. And wouldn't be surprised if yours ended up in your bathroom as well. They work wonderfully. I do love French Onion soup by the way, I may have to buy a few more just for that....and try not to mix them up.

Nice. It was a little creepy to see our soup bowls being used to produce lather, but a stroke of genius nonetheless. My fiance is keen on using those bowls for toasting and serving French Onion soup. =)

(ours are from Crate & Barrel)