Ready to start 1st de shave

[scott69]

Thanks to everyone's help at the forum, I'm finally all set to go. I have a 1960 Gillette Super Speed Flare Tip, a 1955 Super Speed (gold colored), Derby blades, Shark blades, Gillette 7 o'clock blades, a Col. Conk mixed badger/bristle brush (made by Vulfix), a 1940's? softer brush w/black & butterscotch bakelite handle, TSD shaving cream, Bigelow shave cream (made by Prorasor), Col. Conk Amber soap, a 1950's Old Spice mug, and my trusty old Aqua Velva.
I thought I would start with the Derby blades, the Conk brush and the TSD cream. Does this choice make sense for a newbee? Also, I figured cream might provide more protection/cushion for a beginner? Is that correct? And, should I use less water in the brush for cream vs. soap? Would appreciate your answers. Thanks!

 

[JPM]

Welcome to the group. I'm pretty new so I can only give you limited advice. I have only used creams. I soak my brush for about 2 minutes in hot water in my mug. Then I dump the water, let the brush drain and give it a couple of shakes. I use a little bit larger than an almond size dollop of cream and then work it into a lather and it seems to come out nicely.

However, there is a lathering tutorial that you should probably check out for better instructions.

Good luck!

 

[michiganlover]

And, should I use less water in the brush for cream vs. soap? Would appreciate your answers. Thanks!

You have a very nice setup to start with.

You will use the same amount of water in the brush to start with, regardless of it being cream or soap. I give the brush a very good squeeze, followed by a couple of good shakes. Most of the tutorials recommend starting off with a fairly dry brush: it far easier to add water to a product that is too dry, rather than trying to compensate for one that is already too wet.