My First 2 Weeks - A DE Newbie

[CharlieP]

OK - my supplies are in place and I'm wet shaving.

1.) I'm proud to report the styptic pencil has only come out twice. I have a spot I'm very aware of and
did "get it" once. I'm on my 2nd fresh blade and did NOT "get it" this time. Learning this is fun and a
little challenging but - WOW - it feels great and is almost ZEN-like.

2.) Lather appears to be my nemesis but I'm doing my research. I love the feel of my brush and bet that
the more "fancy" ones would be even nicer. There's no sense in me getting a expensive one till I master this
one tho(RoyalShave PB2 Best Badger 3-Band brush). I was fairly pleased with the light suds I was getting
until I saw some photos of folks getting what looks like whipped cream. Trial and error and reading up will
do me well.

3.) I got some Wilkinson Classics because that was what was available locally. My sampler pack has arrived
but I want to use up the Wilks first. I'm keeping a "blade calendar" to track how each brand preforms. Even
tho I'm in my 50's I have a "girlie" face and it takes skipping a day to really "stubble up". I work with the
public so I have shaved every "working" day. Shaving now is so nice I shave everyday regardless.

4.) I feel my choice of the razor itself was a great one for my skill level and my face type. I got a wonderful
deal on a Gillette Super Speed - date coded X4 in super condition. Learning not to press the razor is alot to get
used to. Getting the angle took a little bit but as soon as I heard the hair being shaved I just felt I had it right.
Maybe it's the Wilks but I find to get close to BBS I still need one pass against the grain.

This is one of the most pleasurable things I have ever done for myself. I'm at a point in my life where I'm changing
how I care for myself (you younger guys will find out roflmao). This is a great morning discipline and in a way is a
great motivation tool to form other, better habits.

Thanks in advance for everything I'm going to learn here .

 

[watchiekong]

Good on yer!

 

[SIG9]

Good update! I'm relatively new myself and have gathered a couple things about 2) You don't mention whether you face lather or bowl lather. I bowl lather and the quality of the water makes a huge difference. If you have hard water try some bottled distilled water. Also, make sure to let your brush soak for a few minutes before you start. Don't completely wring it out, leave an adequate amount of water in the brush (this requires trial and error). Make sure you use enough soap/cream product. Whip that lather for at least a couple of minutes.

Also, watch a few YouTube videos on lathering or bowl lathering. I found them to be invaluable when I started.

And lastly, the soap/cream itself may or may not be a good latherer. I have had great luck with Proraso Red and Blue cream, Muscgo Real Cream, Speick cream and some soft soaps such as Razorock Classic and Cella.

 

[CharlieP]

I bowl lather and am using "city" water. We have dang good water but it may be on the hard side. I'll try filtered agua.
For soap I'm using Calani (bay rum) LOVE the scent. I'll try others as I go. Thanks for the info.

 

[celestino]

Congratulations and continued success!
i would have to concur with distilled water. Good luck.

 

[FL shaver]

Curious to know what you were using before and how your face felt after the first few shaves. I know mine was a bit tender!

And welcome!

 

[John Von Wuggz]

I never got the whipped cream lather until I saw it here. Didn't even know you could take it to that level so I always stopped. Once you know though it is easy.