New guy's first impressions.

[mistermullens]

First off, let me say this forum is great. It reminds me of my other favorite forum, TDPRI.com, which is a guitar forum. Same type of folks here. One very generous B&B member (onadraw) was nice enough to send me quite the care package that included a Gillette Tech, Schick Krona, not too mention a boat load of different blades. He also sent me a Gem Featherweight, an Atra handle, as well as a Vector. Oh, and a nice brush and a shave stick too. Thanks again, onadraw!

So yesterday, I thought I'd give the Gillette Tech a shot, and dropped in a Personna blade since there is a lot of people that seem to like those. I shower shave, and was able to get a nice lather pretty easily thanks to a tutorial on this website. I took it easy, and didn't get as close of a shave as I had hoped, but I chalked that up to it being my first time. I did enjoy the shave and the Gillette was comfortable to use. Not one nick either. I think I've got a long way to go before I find the DE that suits me best, but I've got a good start. I'm taking it slow, and I've got lots to try out.

I am keeping a cartridge razor handy in case I'm pressed for time, like this morning. Speaking of this morning, I decided to give my Wilkinson Sword Tech 3 another go (I wasn't crazy about it at first), but this time using the shave stick. I got a great shave this morning with this combo. Probably one of the best shaves I've had in a very long time. I can't see myself using that canned goop again unless I'm desperate. Really great shave, and it started out the morning nice! I left the house in such a good mood.

I'm going to post more of my impressions in this thread each time I shave, which might be helpful to the other new guys. Thanks, B&B!

 

[demaro]

You are off to a great start !! Welcome to the group !!

 

[ackvil]

Congrats! Way to go.

 

[Optometrist]

Welcome. You'll never regret the switch.

David

 

[The Count of Merkur Cristo]

mistermullens:
Welcome to the B & B and it sounds like you're off to a great start (especially making th switch from carts to DE's), but please do take your time because Wet-Shaving is a 'journey' and not a race (oh by the way..I love my Merkurs 23C & 38C).
Also, it might wise to get a Razor Blade Sampler to see what blade is a good fit (sharp, dull, ect...), for your face and Razor, besides 'pulling the trigger' on a good deal for a shave brush, bowl and/or scuttle.

And yes...this Forum has the knowledge, ideas, and alround 'know-how' (see link below), to assist in your Wet-Shaving experience. In a nut-shell...your 'gonna' love it here

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=71700

Also, once you get time....please tell all of us a little about yourself in the Hall of Fame sub-forum

Christopher

 

[mistermullens]

Taking my time for sure. Onadraw sent me a brush, and 7 different packs of blades, so thankfully, I've got plenty to try out to see what I like best. I'm hoping I get a Merkur for Xmas, but at least I've got something to start with. I'll post some pics when I get home tonight. I'll make it over to the hall of fame eventually.

 

[onadraw]

Just my opinion but I think you will like the Schick Krona at least as much as the Merkur and maybe better.

 

[mandoman]

Welcome to B&B

 

[jwhite]

Welcome! Glad to hear things are going well.

 

[mistermullens]

Just my opinion but I think you will like the Schick Krona at least as much as the Merkur and maybe better.

I think I'm going to give it a go next. It definitely looks cool!

 

[jakespoppy]

Welcome to B&B, and congrats on a great start!

 

[ShavinBacon]

Welcome to B & B! This is a great group of guys (even though I am a noob poster...I've been at this forum for 2 years and have watched their generosity from afar).

 

[mistermullens]

Well, I had some extra time before work this morning, so I gave the Gillette a try again. I did a little better this time, after reading an Art of Manliness blog. I did manage to cut myself twice, but it wasn't bad. The aftershave burned like hell though. I definitely need some more practice, and I'm going to try the Schick and a different blade next.

I thought getting a good lather in the shower with a shave stick would be difficult, but I seem to have gotten the hang of it pretty quickly. I've officially retired the canned goop!

 

[Marco]

Excellent, mate! And welcome to B&B!

 

[Mr. Atra]

Welcome to B&B!

I've been taking a similar path to yours. After years of using soap and brush with my trusty decades-old Atra, I graduated to true DE shaving earlier this year. The advice and generosity (PIF and otherwise) of the remarkable members of this forum have been both invaluable, and an inspiration. Initially, I found the Tech and Krona to be the most forgiving razors. The Krona, in particular, helped me maintain the correct blade angle with its straight-angled top. +1 on proper angle and pressure. Those two points have made the most difference in developing my technique (and comfort level)!

I have also kept my Atra around, also thinking I'd use it on mornings I'm in a rush. However, it's turned out that, as I've improved my technique and speed, I'll still take a more cursory DE shave (say, a quick 2-pass + touchups) over the Atra any day. I keep the Atra, in case I have to fly somewhere with only a carry-on. But I'd probably still pack the Travel Tech , just in case I can find blades at the other end.

Good luck on this journey. It sounds like you've made a great start, and it only gets better with practice. (As do most things worth doing!)

Cheers,
Edmund

 

[mistermullens]

Well, I gave the Krona a shot last night, with a different blade than I used on the Tech, and I liked it a lot better. I got a much better shave overall, but I still need more practice. I've noticed that I'm having a little trouble in the chin area, no doubt due to curvature. I'm already noticing some preferences showing up. I believe my brush to possibly be boar, and while it works nicely, and I have no problem getting a good lather, I'd like something softer. I'm interested in feeling the difference between what I have and badger. This sure is fun, and its amazing how I feel after shaving. Maybe its all in my head, but either way, I'll take it!

 

[rm71]

Welcome.

 

[dpmtherrien]

Welcome to the B, and a better way to shave.