Some Newbie guidance needed please

[ShavedFrank]

Hi everyone, I was hoping some experienced members can help steer me in the right direction. I'm slowly venturing into DE shaving and bought a few things, but haven't put the blade to my face.

I want to start out on a budget since I don't know if i'll have the time to spare to DE shave over a quick cartridge shave, but i'm hoping i'll like it so much i'll be able to find the time to enjoy my shaves. I have a bunch of questions and am hoping you all can share some insight. I've read a ton of stuff but I sometimes feel the more I read, the more confused I get. I also read a lot and analyze like mad, so I have lots of specific questions i'm hoping you can all help with.

So far I have acquired:
-Gillette Super Speed Flare Tip (1966) - Used but in superb shape
-Van Der Hagen Shave Soap - Super cheap at Walmart and it was the only thing available local
-Surrey Shave Brush/Boar - My Dad had 2 laying around from his DE days that are long gone
-Burma-Shave Mug to work up lather (Is this worthy or too small as I've read some people say get a wider bowl)
-Sample blade pack from WestCoastShaving, and I opted for a few more brands that people seemed to like so I have 7 brands but plan to choose 1 and stick to it for a while before moving to the next

I pretty much have the bare bone basics so I want to get started after watching some technique videos, but have a few questions.

Soaps/Creams
1.) I've read that some recommend starting with Cream's since they are easier to work up a lather and learn. I already have the Van Der Hagen, should I just go at it with the soap even though I'm a newbie? I figured I would try to work up a lather first and see how I do.

2.) Seems like you can easily get lost in the world of soaps and creams, and people's favorites. I went on Amazon reviews and it seems like a lot of people love the Proraso Shaving Soap which I read is easy to lather and is more of a mix of cream and soap. Is this a good one to start with if you all recommend something like this over my Van Der Hagen soap? Also see that many love Taylor of Old Bond Street, and the Proraso cream in the tube. I guess what I am wondering is if I should just bite the bullet and spend $15 or so on a better soap/cream so I have a better first experience over the Van Der Hagen, or if I should just go at it with what I have.

3.) I also saw that people love the Proraso Pre and Post Shave Cream. Is this something you use in addition to a regular soap or cream? Is something like this recommended?

4.) I like the idea of the Arko stick, not sure why, but it looks old school cool and people seem to love it. Is this a worthy stick to try in the beginning?

5.) Do I need an aftershave, or is this just to smell nice? Or is it to help heal up the face?

6.) Do I need a balm of some sort? I saw some people really like the Nivea balm and I saw it available locally in the store. My worry is that if I start putting pre-shave, post-shave, aftershave, balm's, alum block, or whatever else i'll start to break out and I don't want that.

Blades
7.) Which order do you all recommend starting with my blade sampler? I've heard Astra Superior Platinum are forgiving, and Derby's as a starter blade. I also have:
-Feather New Hi-Stainless Platinum
-Crystal or "Israeli"
-Derby Extra
-Red Israeli Personna
-Astra Superior Platinum
-Shark Super Chrome
-PolSilver Super Iridium
I bought the WestCoastShaving sampler, and then aded the PolSilver and the Sharks since a lot of people I read loved them. I've read to keep the Feather's for later till I have some technique down.From what I've read I think I may start with either:
-Astra's
-Derby's
-Red Israeli
Any tips on which are most forgiving will be helpful.

Other Stuff
8.) Do you all recommend I get an Alum Block from the very start? I already have a styptic pen around for the 1 time per year I'd nick myself with the cartridge razor and have to go to an event or something. Is the Alum block better than a styptic pen to have handy?

9.) Is the Gillette Super Speed Flare Tip (1966) a decent shaver to start out with? I've read the 1950's were smoother, but I scored one off of eBay that was in near new condition at a good price and I knew it would be worthy either at the start, or later on.



If I get hooked on DE i'll definitely be hoarding cream's, soaps, aftershave's, brushes, and old school Gillette's, but I want to be sure I like it enough and have enough time before I invest.

Appreciate all the help!

 

[CaderTheAlligator]

I think that you should just give it a go with the Van Der Hagen as long as you know that there is better out there. I use Proraso in the tube quite often and find it really easy to lather. I started with soap though so I don't think it will be something that will be too hard for you to lather. I can't tell you how important reading up on here about how to get a good lather on the soap is. Due to the fact that it starts in solid form you have to be much more particular about the process than you do with the creams.

I started with Merkur blades and after trying out several after that I settled on Astra's. I think that many people on here would tell you that the best blade for you might be the worst blade for someone else. With that being said, I think that Astra's would be a good starting point. Anyway, I am sure there will be other advice but I am just speaking to what I have experienced. Enjoy the world of DE shaving!

 

[intotheforge]

Sounds like a good starting kit to me. Give it a shot and see what questions you have afterwards. I would probably probably practice lathering a few times before shaving though.

 

[ysbg]

This is what I can say form my limited experience:

1. There are some differences between hard and soft soaps. In any case, you should be able to find a youtube video which shows how to lather up the cream or soap you are looking for.

2. Proraso shave cream is cheap and easily produces amazing lather. If you want to try different things then I think Proraso should definitely be of them! I don't know VDH so could't compare. I agree it's easy to get lost in all those soaps and creams, but the good news is that you'll get to use all that you buy

3. I haven't tried those in about three months of shaving and get great shaves. But I'm curious to try eventually to see if I get an even better shave.

5 & 6. Yes, aftershave is definitely helpful and not just about smelling good. Some prefer balms, some prefer splashes. You might think that splashes don't really moisturise the skin but in fact good splashes have good moisturising properties. I think I have a quite sensitive skin and always thought I would prefer balms over splashes. But so far I have to say I enjoy more my splashes. The good news is that you can get good splashes for a small price (e.g. Aqua Velva, which is highly recommended here) .

7. I got a sampler pack and quickly settled on Astra SP. Then I got a hundred of them and decided to stick with them for 6 months until my technique is really good. I will go back to experimenting after that. I think it's difficult to go through a sample pack at first if your technique is not good yet, because then you might attribute bad results to a blade rather than bad technique. For me it took about a month to understand the "no pressure" rule, and shortly after that I got the proper blade angle. Had I just started with Astra SP it would have arrived a bit quicker I think. But I'm sure it works differently for everyone.

8. I personally think the alum block is a great educational tool. It gives you good feedback regarding your technique. Basically the first times you will use the alum block it should sting. Once you get the correct DE technique (no pressure, correct blad angle) then you shouldn't feel a thing. As for whether it's useful for my skin I don't know, I always used it so far so I don't know how it would be without it.

Have fun shaving! Before DE shaving I would shave once a week at most. Now two days without shaving and I get nervous about it!

 

[Cumberland Sausage]

It is possible to over-think things. I sometimes spend too long deliberating about what to get for various purposes, but, fortunately, when my first DE shave kit arrived I was so thrilled at the prospect of using it that I just got on with things. It wasn't the best shave in the world, but that was all the more reason to improve my technique and try different combinations.

 

[chgruver]

In regards to locally available if you have a Bath and Body Works nearby (probably in a mall), they have C.O. Bigelow cream and usually on sale, this is basically the Green Proraso from what I have heard. I am not sure about the VDH soap, I have a puck I recently bought that was a part of the kit, bought the kit for the cheap brush; if you are looking at some of the softer soaps I would also reccomend looking into Razorock as their soft soaps are easy to lather as well. The alum block I would suggest you pick up as it works in more ways than a styptic pencil does, again from what I have heard I never used a styptic or alum block until I started using a DE and then it has only been a alum block. In regards to Aftershaves, I think Mantic59 has a video that discusses the different aspects of aftershaves and which is preferred for which skin type, there are also some that will skip an AS and just use Witch Hazel, I personally go cold rinse followed by alum followed by witch hazel and finished off with an AS (splash or balm which ever I am in the mood for). In all cases YMMV

 

[Nomad1600]

Best advice I can give... don't overthink this. What you have is fine (I'd suggest starting with the Astras for a few weeks), just need to take it slow, learn the basic three pass approach, start off with WTG, then add in XTG when you are comfortable shaving WTG, then ATG. Prep is important, shave after a shower (washing your face with hot water in the shower), then plenty of hot water again on the face before starting to shave (I like applying a hot wet towel). Get an after shave balm (Nivea Sensitive is a good one) and a styptic pencil, both easily purchased at any drug or grocery store. Learn your beard pattern and focus on NOT putting any pressure on the razor against the face (rely on the weight of the razor).

 

[cheesepiece]

Get stuck in, lad! Get a youtube video on the go on lathering VDH soap or equivalent from Mantic and copy that guy. Spend 3 minutes face-lathering for the 1st pass, it may sound excessive but on my luxury shave days this is what I do, it softens the beard and exfoliates. Get an alum block from ebay but don't wait for it to arrive, you can get by without. Crack on and start with an Astra, work through the pack of 5 until you have somewhat got the technique down, then maybe think about changing it up.
The stuff you have is capable of making the best shave, your technique will be the limiting factor, of all the facets, lathering; shaving; etc.
Don't be afraid. Get stuck in!

 

[Head Rigger]

Best advice I can give... don't overthink this. What you have is fine (I'd suggest starting with the Astras for a few weeks), just need to take it slow, learn the basic three pass approach, start off with WTG, then add in XTG when you are comfortable shaving WTG, then ATG. Prep is important, shave after a shower (washing your face with hot water in the shower), then plenty of hot water again on the face before starting to shave (I like applying a hot wet towel). Get an after shave balm (Nivea Sensitive is a good one) and a styptic pencil, both easily purchased at any drug or grocery store. Learn your beard pattern and focus on NOT putting any pressure on the razor against the face (rely on the weight of the razor).

I think this sums up my opinion very well. Keep it simple, focus on the basics of prep and technique, go slow and take one step at a time. There is a learning curve, and you'll probably have some bad shaves and make mistakes along the way but I'm sure all of us fell down more than once when learning to walk. Like anything you learn, it takes time, patience and perseverance.

 

[pvelyk]

I have only been DE shaving a few months and I allready am sucked in pretty deep, especially with soaps but I would say you have everything you need to make a entry into DE shaving. What you really need is time and practice to develope a good technique. As far as time goes, it is going to take longer to get a good shave, especially when you start, so pick time of the day when you have a little extra. If you are pressed for time in the morning take an evening shower and shave after that. That way your not hurried and can take the time to learn. DE shaving is like anything else, at its base its pretty simple but you can make it really complicated and buy lots of extras that you want. All the fancy stuff and extras do is help a good technique get better, but you first need a good technique. I keep in mind the fishing expression, "You can give a good fisherman cheap equipment and he will still catch a lot of fish, but you give a exeperienced fisherman the best equipment he still won't catch a lot of fish."

 

[martym]

Great equipment to start out with. Give it a go. Build a good lather. No pressure. Let the razor do the work. Watch the angle. Start with one or two passes only. It will come together. Be satisfied with a socially acceptable shave in the beginning. Closer, more comfortable shaves will come.
Very important: ENJOY!!

 

[takisg]

You have all the 'goodies' for a great start and a great shave, you do not need anything else, just put an Astra SP and or an PolSilver SI in your razor.Believe me its so easy!

 

[Luc]

Welcome to B&B!

First, don't overthink this, it's shaving, that's all.

1) Creams are easier IMO but since you already bought the soap, it's all right, it's not impossible. It's not "more difficult", it's different. Soaps need more water than creams, that's all. You also need to spend more time on the product (i.e. loading the brush) than a cream).

2) If you ask which shave cream or shave soap to start with, you will get around 50 replies and around 50 different replies. Proraso is a good product but I don't see why you should go out right now and add another variable to the equation. The more products you have, the more product you want to play with. The more products you want to play with, the more you need to adapt. I.e. different products works differently, if you start driving a car and change car everyday, you will get there but it will be very difficult to learn the skill properly and quickly.

3) I used it in the past, it's good but it did not change anything for me so I stopped using it. It can be different or not for you. I would avoid it for now and reconsider it if you have some issues shaving.

4) No, you already have a shave soap, put it on a "nice to buy" list for now

5) For some it helps, for others, it doesn't. I think I can go by without using an aftershave but it helps my skin so I use it.

6) It depends, and I understand your previous question properly, you are referring to an AS splash and AS balm. Some use both, some use one of them, some use Witch hazel only, some use all 3. Only a splash for me but it depends on your skin type. Again, you might be okay with no products or 1 product. Most only use one product.

7) It doesn't matter much, when you start with one brand, try using that brand to the end unless it's causing you irritation and cuts.

8) I used the alum block and did not notice any advantages or improvements, it depends on your skin. I would recommend waiting since you have the pencil for now

9) Sure, those are some of the best shaver!

Last word of advice, take it slow, no pressure, lock your wrists and if you did not see this already, a bit of reading:
http://wiki.badgerandblade.com/Getting_started_wetshaving
http://wiki.badgerandblade.com/Interactive_Guide_to_DE_Razor_Shaving

 

[GencoOliveOilCompany]

Welcome to the forum; enjoy your shaves. You have some great gear; now dive in and start shaving. +1 face lather for 3 minutes. It does sound excessive, but it works. The lather will bloom at some point and you'll figure out the water needed. VDH soap is very forgiving (YMMV, but I think it's excellent). More importantly, while face lathering that long, you are really softening those whiskers for cutting. Remember zero pressure while shaving. Just try to barely skim the lather from your face.

 

[Treynman]

From my experience, as I only got into proper wet-shaving within the last few months, a good newbie kit would be :

A Lord L6 razor. Around $15. Has merkur type head on it and it gives a fantastic shave! Great starter.

A blade sampler is best to determine what razors suit your face. On a Budget, I like the Shark Super Chromes, and Astra Platinums. $5-$10

Proraso is great soap to start with. Easy to Lather, smells great, pretty inexpensive. I would recommend the green or white product. Perhaps try a cream as they are even easier to lather right of the hop, if we are looking at time saving. I also do like the Arko stick, but it's not for everybody, however lathers great! $5-$10

If you can find an omega boar brush or something equivalent, that would be fine. The important thing is to get your technique down. $10-$20

As far as after shaves and balms, it can be helpful, but it depends on the person. I like to have a moisturizing balm just incase my skin is feeling a little dry after my shave. I also use tradition old spice and I enjoy the warming effect it has on my skin, and I use Aqua Velva Blue Ice for when I want a cooling sensation. It's really all trial and error, however I have yet to run into a AS product that I absolutely hate. $5-$10

So it could come to around $50 to get setup, however longterm, is going to cost less than cartridges, and be better for your face!

The fun thing is all the discovery when starting out. You get a basic kit, and get proficient with it, and then say "Hey, I'd like to try this type of razor or this AS, or this new soap!" Slowly, your shave den grows and you develop a rotation of products. It becomes something you actually look forward to doing, rather than having to do.

Welcome to B&B and good luck on you wet-shaving journey!

 

[Treynman]

And oops, I missed the part that stated what you had already acquired! Your pretty much all there!

 

[Niles]

That's a good starting kit. The Super Speed is an excellent razor. I agree with the Proraso/C.O. Bigelow recommendation.

 

[ShavedFrank]

Thanks to EVERYONE for such great information.

I appreciate all the recommendations. Its helpful to hear what works for some, even though it doesn't work with all.

I think you've all given me the condience to use what I have already acquired, and jump right in. I'm going to watch some videos on lather and practice to see if I can get a decent lather. If I get a decent lather I'm going to give it a go after a shower, will probably wait for a weekend night so i'm not pressed for time like like pvelyk mentioned. If not, i'll probably start with Proraso and then venture out from there. The Astra will probably be my first blade based on some of your recommendations.

I'm starting to build a wish list of products. I order on Amazon like a mad man, and have a few shaving related items in my wish list so with time i'll probably grab a few, and also support members selling stuff and the various vendors that are well known in the community.

I also saw a member selling mini sample sizes of soaps and aftershaves and stuff. I like the idea of having a few options so i'll probably buy one bottle for now and if that doesn't work out i'll grab a few samples.

Its wild how many combinations of razors, blades, creams, soaps, balms, aftershaves, and everything else that are available to really add variations to the game. I'm looking forward to trying a few things and find what works for me.

I can already see where this "hobby" is going.... Last night I bought a Gillette Slim so I have another option once I'm ready to start changing things up. Price and condition were right and it was too hard to pass up. I like to collect certain antiques anyways so razors are something new and welcomed into my collection whether i'm using them or not.

It's amazing to see what a supporting group all of you DE guys are! I'm excited to learn and then share what I learn.

 

[chgruver]

I will say I have often pointed people to Garry's Sample shop before actually purchasing any samples from him, and now that I have made a purchase from him I plan to point more people his way. What little communication we had, he seemed like a good guy and the shipping was fast (I made the purchase Thursday was shipped Friday and delivered today).

 

[CGW409]

Welcome aboard
Sounds like you've got yourself a good starter set(as well as on your way to a case of RAD ) though I'm not sure of the size of a Burma Shave mug but I've got an early 90's Old Spice mug that works fine.

1 Creams are a bit easier but soaps aren't that hard,just take time to load the brush and slowly add water til you figure out the sweet spot of water to soap or cream.
2 Nothing wrong with VDH and you've got plenty of time to add SCAD to your RAD.
3 The Proraso preshave is nice and I still have a jar of it from when I started in late 2011/early 2012 but for me I've found my best pre shave routine is get your brush soaking during your shower and while in the shower I use the Nivea Energy face scrub and then use plain old hair conditioner (volume not strength)to soften my beard.
BTW with the Proraso menthol be aware that this time of year the cooling menthol can be a good thing however if you live in a climate where it can get very cold that freshly shaved mentholed face can be a bit of a shocker stepping out into the cold.
4 I've not used the Arko but the Palmolive shave stick is great and I pull it from my Dopp kit from time to time just because.
5 IIRC after shave was originally had an antiseptic use seeing as you'd just ran a sharp piece of steel over your face it does have some other side bennies besides smelling good as I find it's a good way to see if you're pressing too hard or making too many passes.
If you splash on the AS and you get the Home Alone scream of doom then you need to ease up of the pressure.
6 Most guys do either a balm,alum block,witch hazel splash or just plain old after shave, being a bit of a belt and suspenders guy I do a Thayers peach scented WH followed up by Nivea Energy AS balm.
7 as with all of these things YMMV but overall my suggestion would be try the Derby but not as your first blade, Derby is the only five pack I picked up that I got half way through a shave on my first blade,changed to another Derby just in case the first one was a bum blade and ended up pitching the pack as to not inflict them on anyone else.
Correct move on holding off on the Feather,not that they are vicious monsters that will leap from your razor and kill you but they are a sharper blade than most so a noob mistake could be just a bit more bloody.
BTW Poli Silvers are some of the sharpest blades I've used as I literally had to stop and double check that I had actually put a blade in as the Poli's give absolutely no tactile feedback.
8 See number 6 mainly a matter of choice,styptic pencils are for the particularly stubborn nicks and such and are for that purpose.
9 A 60's Flair Tip should be fine,as I found the Super Speed tend to get tamer the newer they are with the 40's style being more aggressive,the 50's/60's Flair being a bit tamer and the black handle being the tamest but considering I have whiskers of diamond coated titanium bailing wire tame is an extremely variable term.