20 year journey

[Steadfast]

Shortly before by 14th birthday, my father presented me with a bag of disposable razors, can of shaving cream, and a brief lesson on how a man is supposed to shave; one pass down, one back up. My father is quite fortunate in his skin and beard being very forgiving because that was all he seemed to need. For me, I was handed my own tools of torture and encouraged to punish myself with them on a near-daily basis

What followed was a long, grueling journey to finding a comfortable shave. I thought I had come close with a Mach 3, "super sensitive" gels and only shaving twice a week I tried numerous combinations of cartridges and canned creams but was never satisfied.

Well, I've grown tired of my routine and was searching for alternatives -- mostly shaving cream. I thought that maybe if I found some new product that had been developed recently that I could change my outlook and could get the ability to shave more than twice a week comfortably. What I found was this site.

It's been quite inspiring.

Already, after a week or so of reading, only adopting prep and shave technique with a Mach 3 and a non-aerosol shaving cream (Every Man Jack), I've seen vastly superior results to anything I've achieved previously. For the first time, I've paid attention to how my beard grows and just that in conjunction with proper beard prep has completely changed my outlook and made me a believer in what the fine gents here evangelize.

So here I am, shortly before my 34th birthday, I've ordered a 34C razor, a sample pack of blades from WSC, and picked up the VDH starter set (for the time being), and am ready to complete the turn that takes my most dreaded grooming chore into my most pleasant.

Thank you so much for the unending depths of experience and knowledge shared here.

 

[JPM]

Welcome to B&B! Nice first post. I hope you'll back to let us know how you progress.

 

[NickCutlip]

Welcome to B&B !!

 

[beginish]

Welcome to B&B! I also found that a good prep and use of quality products really hides a lot of cartridge shaving flaws. Good luck with your first DE shave, and let us know how it goes.

 

[luvmysuper]

You just can't know how many here have very similar stories to yours.
For me, the tedious nature of the "had to do" chore to the sublime pleasure of a pleasurable ritual.
We are glad you found us, and glad that your making the switch.
Welcome to B&B.

 

[Dustinl]

Steadfast,

Welcome to Badger & Blade!!!


DL

 

[Drubbing]

I thought that maybe if I found some new product that had been developed recently that I could change my outlook and could get the ability to shave more than twice a week comfortably.

That's the thing isn't it - there's almost a new shaving product available every week. I think many men believe just as computers get incrementally faster, better and cheaper, that the same concept applies here too.

Far from it in the experience of many here. Modern consumerism has warped our expectations; we've been had, took, swindled, diddled, brainwashed and wrung out, all in the name of acquire and 'upgrade'.

But more traditional shaving products work brilliantly. But they last; this is the big problem for the faster turnover / more profit mentality. Hence we have the disposable razor, the 'more blades are better' razors, and canned foam that runs out pretty quickly. These all worked pretty well for me, but the damage to my wallet was alarming.

A DE razor will last a lifetime. A brief email to Merkur on a warranty matter revealed their sales rep also does the waranty and customer service. And makes the tea.

Shaving soaps last. Buy more than three and you'll probably never hit the bottom of a tub. (Becasue if you already got three, you wouldn't stop there).

For the majority who try it, it's far better. And even enjoyable.

 

[michiganlover]

and picked up the VDH starter set (for the time being), and am ready to complete the turn that takes my most dreaded grooming chore into my most pleasant.

Don't be too quick to write the VDH kit off. If you were lucky enough to get a non-shedding brush, it will perform quite well, as you learn the finer art of lathering.

Also, the VDH Deluxe soap is one my favorites, since it lathers easily, and has a mild non-offensive scent. It's the perfect soap for newbies to learn on.

If you have a Bath and Body Works nearby, they sell the "C.O. Bigelow Premium Shaving Cream" which comes in a metal tube, in a green box. It's the world famous Proraso, just re-branded. Every wet shaver needs a tube in their arsenal.

 

[Peto]

Welcome to B&B and wish you good luck with wet shaving! My story is a little bit simillar to yours, but I've found B&B sooner .

 

[Steadfast]

Thanks, gents. I appreciate it.

I'm not going to write off the VDH set any time soon. I'm very much a believer in "tools don't make the man." I've read too many good things about the soap and even the brush, to an extent, to be in a hurry to get rid of it.

As you can see from the picture, I've already accumulated a tiny den and just waiting on the Merkur from Shaving Essentials (WCS was out of stock, unfortunately).

Very exciting times! I know I'll be back with questions and confident they'll get answered.

Thanks again!

 

[ArchersParadox]

Welcome to B&B and wish you good luck with wet shaving! My story is a little bit simillar to yours, but I've found B&B sooner .

+1 I was lucky enough to discover this place when I am 20.

 

[quickie-cookie]

Welcome!

 

[gollum83]

Thanks, gents. I appreciate it.

I'm not going to write off the VDH set any time soon. I'm very much a believer in "tools don't make the man." I've read too many good things about the soap and even the brush, to an extent, to be in a hurry to get rid of it.

As you can see from the picture, I've already accumulated a tiny den and just waiting on the Merkur from Shaving Essentials (WCS was out of stock, unfortunately).

Very exciting times! I know I'll be back with questions and confident they'll get answered.

Thanks again!

Welcome! And look at this! Not even a month in and he's already got himself a respectable looking shave den!

 

[brianw]

Welcome to B&B, and on a journey to the most comfortable shaves of your life

 

[Steadfast]

Update:

One week and 5 shaves later -- I've never been happier

First shave, of course, was a learning experience and learn I did. I knew getting an A in geometry would pay off eventually. Shortened my strokes and finally had the epiphany that if I'm shaving right, I shouldn't even feel the blade on my skin, only hear the whiskers being cut -- this was a huge revelation.

By shave 4 I was almost BBS with 2 passes and some touch up work. Last night was my first shave with zero blood and zero razor burn. It was the second shave with a Crystal, but I don't think we're going to get along too well; when I went for touch ups, it was snagging and not really cutting so I left it at a DFS so as to avoid the burn that I knew would come with adding pressure.

Next up are the Lord Platinum blades, but I have a feeling it will just be a due dilligence type relationship from what I've read. The heavy-hitters are still on deck but so far Derbys are the champion.

Words of encouragement to fellow newbies, heed the advice: "NO PRESSURE" I wish I had some other way of describing the revelation, but it seems everyone has to figure that out on their own. Even if you think you're not putting any pressure on and you come from a disposable/cartridge background, you really are putting on the pressure because that's how you had to shave. You shouldn't feel anything when you make your pass, but you'll hear it and there will be no cream/soap left behind.

Thank you all again for the advice, I'm a very happy [faceturbating] man.

 

[spinyeel]

Welcome aboard. I found this site 2 years ago and it transformed me into a serial shave geek. I'm 51 next year and loving every moment.

 

[scottish steve]

I can imagine your moment me revelation when you tried the 34c. Just think, you've got another 50 years of better and better shaves to look forward to!