First post in B&B !
I've been following the forums for about 6 months and have decided to make my contribution.
Although I have studied and researched like a maniac for reviews and opinions of shaving products over the last six months (I can't really understand how this happened, but I'm here now
), I acknowledge that I am far from knowledgeable in the subject. Please take everything I say as personal opinion.
Well, what I want to talk about is a couple of mistakes I made over my introduction to DE's and wet shaving.
At first I got all excited and bought a blade sampler pack, Proraso shaving soap and a Goodfella's razor (because it looked cool, why lie), and a decent Baxter brush. I soon discovered that my choice of razor was far from perfect. I could instantly tell that the blades would sit awkwardly in the razor and seemed crooked and uneven on each side, later to find the importance of blade alignment, build quality and blade exposure. At first I thought it was normal, but now I know its a defective product. (Oh, well, noobie mistake, $50 down the drain)
After that I did more research, I found Merkurs and an overwhelming amount on information and opinions on every razor, so I decided to buy a "Classic Chunky DE" from them, once again, for the looks but this time including reputation from manufacturer. I can't complain over build quality and blade exposure like in the Goodfella's but it is definitely not the smartest approach to a handle for a beginner (another $50 of wasted good money). I still use it occasionally and sometimes like it, most commonly hate it. (usually because it makes me feel I am as ridiculous as it's oversized bright red handle for buying it, but it is a decent razor)
I then got excited and bought a Futur. Wanting something with a better reputation and "proven" effectiveness, I fell in love with my razor. That love has now decreased since I have been recently diagnosed with RAD (by myself
). So once again I was on the prowl for my next buy. I like the Futur but believe I can find something better suited and more comfortable for myself.
I have now stepped things up a notch, I have realized that classic designs and build quality go as far in this industry as in any, and when it comes to putting a sharp blade to your face every day, well, I have to say, it is not the same as buying say socks (where they all pretty much do the same).
I recently bought the Feather All Stainless, and although some say it is too mild, I am hoping that it will be perfect for myself. I have sensitive skin, not a particularly tough or heavy beard but what I would consider "tricky". Growth direction under the chin is completely horizontal and towards my right ear, while around the chin it does all kinds of interesting stuff; the rest is pretty standard. Some of the factors that geared me towards the Feather razor are the ones I want to highlight.
I believe that if you are looking to be cost-effective with this approach to shaving you have to stick to the basics. Razor-wise, that means not buying stuff that you won't use after the excitement of the new arrival, just like my "Chunky Merkur" and Goodfella's. I now wish I had started with the more standard razors, (HD's, EJ etc) or the higher quality one's like Pils, Ikon or Feather. I believe in this approach you can get most of your money back in case you don't absolutely love the product because they're highly sought-after, and if you do happen to love them, you have a tool for life. I haven't read a single negative review for the Merkur HD for example, and I now realize I got two stupid razors in a drawer and mostly because initially they "looked cool" and not the one everyone said that worked great. If you're gonna go for the "cool factor", make sure they are top quality and have widespread acceptance too.
Other than that I am still working on perfecting technique, improving prep methods and highly enjoying my whole experience with this newly acquired hobby. I am currently waiting on the arrival of my Feather All Stainless, 50 Feather blades and a Mitchell's Wool Fat soap. (I know, this looks promising).
I have a couple of questions that may seem stupid to some, and if someone knows they have been already answered in a previous post or thread I would appreciate you pointing me in the right direction.
a) My father has a theory that if you just shave WTG and then ATG your beard will eventually "accomodate" itself and the growth will adjust to be north to south all over your face and neck over time. I happen to think this is a complete lie. Opinions?
b) What are simple ways, and when I say simple I MEAN SIMPLE! to mantain safety razors, I don't want to buy products to clean them etc, just basic maintenance other than rinsing and wiping on towels to remove soapy layers of buildup in handle etc.
Thanks again and I hope to be seeing some interesting replies.
I've been following the forums for about 6 months and have decided to make my contribution.
Although I have studied and researched like a maniac for reviews and opinions of shaving products over the last six months (I can't really understand how this happened, but I'm here now
), I acknowledge that I am far from knowledgeable in the subject. Please take everything I say as personal opinion.Well, what I want to talk about is a couple of mistakes I made over my introduction to DE's and wet shaving.
At first I got all excited and bought a blade sampler pack, Proraso shaving soap and a Goodfella's razor (because it looked cool, why lie), and a decent Baxter brush. I soon discovered that my choice of razor was far from perfect. I could instantly tell that the blades would sit awkwardly in the razor and seemed crooked and uneven on each side, later to find the importance of blade alignment, build quality and blade exposure. At first I thought it was normal, but now I know its a defective product. (Oh, well, noobie mistake, $50 down the drain)
After that I did more research, I found Merkurs and an overwhelming amount on information and opinions on every razor, so I decided to buy a "Classic Chunky DE" from them, once again, for the looks but this time including reputation from manufacturer. I can't complain over build quality and blade exposure like in the Goodfella's but it is definitely not the smartest approach to a handle for a beginner (another $50 of wasted good money). I still use it occasionally and sometimes like it, most commonly hate it. (usually because it makes me feel I am as ridiculous as it's oversized bright red handle for buying it, but it is a decent razor)
I then got excited and bought a Futur. Wanting something with a better reputation and "proven" effectiveness, I fell in love with my razor. That love has now decreased since I have been recently diagnosed with RAD (by myself
). So once again I was on the prowl for my next buy. I like the Futur but believe I can find something better suited and more comfortable for myself.I have now stepped things up a notch, I have realized that classic designs and build quality go as far in this industry as in any, and when it comes to putting a sharp blade to your face every day, well, I have to say, it is not the same as buying say socks (where they all pretty much do the same).
I recently bought the Feather All Stainless, and although some say it is too mild, I am hoping that it will be perfect for myself. I have sensitive skin, not a particularly tough or heavy beard but what I would consider "tricky". Growth direction under the chin is completely horizontal and towards my right ear, while around the chin it does all kinds of interesting stuff; the rest is pretty standard. Some of the factors that geared me towards the Feather razor are the ones I want to highlight.
I believe that if you are looking to be cost-effective with this approach to shaving you have to stick to the basics. Razor-wise, that means not buying stuff that you won't use after the excitement of the new arrival, just like my "Chunky Merkur" and Goodfella's. I now wish I had started with the more standard razors, (HD's, EJ etc) or the higher quality one's like Pils, Ikon or Feather. I believe in this approach you can get most of your money back in case you don't absolutely love the product because they're highly sought-after, and if you do happen to love them, you have a tool for life. I haven't read a single negative review for the Merkur HD for example, and I now realize I got two stupid razors in a drawer and mostly because initially they "looked cool" and not the one everyone said that worked great. If you're gonna go for the "cool factor", make sure they are top quality and have widespread acceptance too.
Other than that I am still working on perfecting technique, improving prep methods and highly enjoying my whole experience with this newly acquired hobby. I am currently waiting on the arrival of my Feather All Stainless, 50 Feather blades and a Mitchell's Wool Fat soap. (I know, this looks promising).
I have a couple of questions that may seem stupid to some, and if someone knows they have been already answered in a previous post or thread I would appreciate you pointing me in the right direction.
a) My father has a theory that if you just shave WTG and then ATG your beard will eventually "accomodate" itself and the growth will adjust to be north to south all over your face and neck over time. I happen to think this is a complete lie. Opinions?
b) What are simple ways, and when I say simple I MEAN SIMPLE! to mantain safety razors, I don't want to buy products to clean them etc, just basic maintenance other than rinsing and wiping on towels to remove soapy layers of buildup in handle etc.
Thanks again and I hope to be seeing some interesting replies.
