I've never been much for blogging, journaling, or whatever you want to call it, but this morning (while I was shaving, of course) I realized that I have thoughts about shaving-related things that I want to get out of my head, but I don't necessarily want to post them in threads. I may even throw in some non-shaving related thoughts on writing utensils, writing, computers, and photography from time to time.
I've now been shaving for forty-plus years and a member here for almost thirteen years. For perspective, here's my first post on B&B from Nov. 4, 2009, after I'd been wet shaving with a DE for a while. Seems like a long time ago...
I've now been shaving for forty-plus years and a member here for almost thirteen years. For perspective, here's my first post on B&B from Nov. 4, 2009, after I'd been wet shaving with a DE for a while. Seems like a long time ago...
Hi everyone,
I've been reading the forums and reviews here for a couple of months and decided to delurkify myself.
I'd been shaving mostly with cartridge razors (Trac II and Mach 3) and canned goo, with the occasional shave using a Braun or Norelco electric. However, as may be familiar to everyone here, the quality my shaves just never felt all that great, not to mention a constant battle with skin irritation. Finally, in a fit of frustration (and after watching Don Draper wetshaving in an episode of Mad Men) I hit Google to find some relief.
To make a short story longer, I found and ordered Leisureguy's book on gourmet shaving and then hit classicshaving.com for a Parker 91R, a bowl, a five-pack of Merkur blades, and some soap. I already had a brush I'd received as a gift with a fancy wooden Trac II handle some years ago so I was set.
Thanks to Leisureguy's blog I discovered links to this site and mantic59's videos, both of which have really helped me get my technique up to speed. So far so good: only one nasty cut (razor slipped out of my hand and left me a lasting impression to pay attention) and a couple of months of shaves better than anything I'd ever had before, plus a less irritated face.
However, because of all of your inspiration/influence/Jedi mind tricks, I've also expanded my shaving kit to include the VdH shaving set (love that soap!), an extra VdH brush, a L'Occitane travel brush, a Gillette ball end tech, a Gilette travel razor, and a Personna injector that just arrived today... not to mention the tubes of C.O. Bigelow and KMF cream sitting next to them on the counter. Amazing that I am still coming out ahead money-wise! Even if I wasn't, though, the quality of my shaves more than makes up for it.
I'm looking forward to spending some more quality time with y'all!
Doug K.