I'm returning to DE shaving after an extended hiatus. In 2005 I decided to give DE a try and stuck with it for a few years. I do tend to suffer from AD so accumulated a small assortment of razors comprising a Merkur Classic and Long Classic, a Feather Popular, a TOBS butterfly, and a Merkur Vision.
As so many newbies do I did: juggled too many variables with too little patience — bleeding was a routine part of my life. I didn't mind too much once I discovered something called Seal-On Blotters, but then that miracle product disappeared from the market place. Sad face (literally).
Around 2012 I started using Harry's cartridges exclusively pretty much because I liked the handle and the blades were not terribly expensive. I've trundled along with those for years, used with various Proraso products (love the red; the green seems to actually work better for me; like the blue, hate the smell of the white).
As I worked my way through my last box cartridges I decided to try DE again and hit the 'net to re-orient myself. I had a spasm of AD and bought an assortment of blades in a sampler and an assortment of soaps. I've been using boar brushes so added a synthetic thinking that if I was starting over I should be open to new ideas
Having bad flashbacks when I dug out my old razors I went against the advice to ignore adjustables and spent my dog's inheritance on a Rex Ambassador.
I do plan to follow the advice I read and limit variables to one change at a time, for extended periods with each change. I'm going to stick with my existing brush and bowl and use the same (albeit new) soap and razor until I am able to obtain repeatable, consistent, drama-free shaves.
This morning I had my first DE shave in along while and perhaps because I was mindful and very cautious I am satisfied with the shave I got.
One thing I learned today (here and watching a youtube about a bowl) is that I have *never* in my life made a decent lather. I just today did a couple of lathers for the heck of it with two different brushes and am satisfied that tomorrow's lather will be much improved.
Great forum here; thanks to all who contribute. You help many!
(Haggis was my dog; I'm Brad)
As so many newbies do I did: juggled too many variables with too little patience — bleeding was a routine part of my life. I didn't mind too much once I discovered something called Seal-On Blotters, but then that miracle product disappeared from the market place. Sad face (literally).
Around 2012 I started using Harry's cartridges exclusively pretty much because I liked the handle and the blades were not terribly expensive. I've trundled along with those for years, used with various Proraso products (love the red; the green seems to actually work better for me; like the blue, hate the smell of the white).
As I worked my way through my last box cartridges I decided to try DE again and hit the 'net to re-orient myself. I had a spasm of AD and bought an assortment of blades in a sampler and an assortment of soaps. I've been using boar brushes so added a synthetic thinking that if I was starting over I should be open to new ideas
Having bad flashbacks when I dug out my old razors I went against the advice to ignore adjustables and spent my dog's inheritance on a Rex Ambassador. I do plan to follow the advice I read and limit variables to one change at a time, for extended periods with each change. I'm going to stick with my existing brush and bowl and use the same (albeit new) soap and razor until I am able to obtain repeatable, consistent, drama-free shaves.
This morning I had my first DE shave in along while and perhaps because I was mindful and very cautious I am satisfied with the shave I got.
- Pre — Razorock Lime block
- Lather — Noble Otter BarrBarr
- Brush — Semogue 1470
- Razor — Rex Ambassador on 1.0
- Blade — Astra SP
- Post — Proraso Wood and Spice balm
One thing I learned today (here and watching a youtube about a bowl) is that I have *never* in my life made a decent lather. I just today did a couple of lathers for the heck of it with two different brushes and am satisfied that tomorrow's lather will be much improved.
Great forum here; thanks to all who contribute. You help many!
(Haggis was my dog; I'm Brad)
