Hey everyone,
Obviously, I am brand new to the wild, wonderful world of wet shaving. I'm so new that I'm completely stumped on what equipment I should even get for my first wet shave! I started doing research about a week and a half ago, and I just can't figure out which razor, brush, soap/lather, etc. to get. I currently work for a valet company in downtown Indianapolis and in February, I leave for Navy boot camp, which means this is a very valuable skill that I want to pick up for my clean-shaven jobs. So, without further ado, here are all of my most pressing questions.
First of all, which/what kind of razor should I get for my first experience? I'm the kind of fella that likes new stuff that has a classic taste to it, but I also have a deep appreciation for vintage items that were made the right way and are still exceptional over 50 years later. I feel like I have it almost narrowed down purely based on review and recommendations. I think I want to get either a new Merkur HD or a 1953 Gillette SS online OR a very pristine random DE razor from an antique store around here. Am I close? Show me the way!
Now, let's move on to the brush. From what I can tell, basically all I need to get is either a high end boar brush or an entry-level badger brush and stay away from synthetics. I'd like to possibly get a new, low-cost badger brush. Notice I didn't say cheap, just low cost. What kind of recommendations do you guys have for a good starter brush? I have a fairly limited budget (only being 20 with a decent job and no bills), so I won't be able to go get a new silver-tip offline and just bask in its glory.
Soap or cream? I need to know which is better (or at least pros and cons), and what a good entry-level one of either of those is.
Pre-Aftershaves? I'm coming from disposables/electric, and I am completely ignorant for what I should be using/doing for a great shaving experience.
What kind of blades should I start on? I really want to try a bunch of different ones and compare results. If a sample pack is in my future, which blades should I be sure it includes?
In addition, I am really eaten up in this whole aspect of the part of my morning routine that I've despised so long actually being enjoyable and effective. I love the idea of having a consistent, comfortable shave every time. Please help me out men!
Obviously, I am brand new to the wild, wonderful world of wet shaving. I'm so new that I'm completely stumped on what equipment I should even get for my first wet shave! I started doing research about a week and a half ago, and I just can't figure out which razor, brush, soap/lather, etc. to get. I currently work for a valet company in downtown Indianapolis and in February, I leave for Navy boot camp, which means this is a very valuable skill that I want to pick up for my clean-shaven jobs. So, without further ado, here are all of my most pressing questions.
First of all, which/what kind of razor should I get for my first experience? I'm the kind of fella that likes new stuff that has a classic taste to it, but I also have a deep appreciation for vintage items that were made the right way and are still exceptional over 50 years later. I feel like I have it almost narrowed down purely based on review and recommendations. I think I want to get either a new Merkur HD or a 1953 Gillette SS online OR a very pristine random DE razor from an antique store around here. Am I close? Show me the way!
Now, let's move on to the brush. From what I can tell, basically all I need to get is either a high end boar brush or an entry-level badger brush and stay away from synthetics. I'd like to possibly get a new, low-cost badger brush. Notice I didn't say cheap, just low cost. What kind of recommendations do you guys have for a good starter brush? I have a fairly limited budget (only being 20 with a decent job and no bills), so I won't be able to go get a new silver-tip offline and just bask in its glory.
Soap or cream? I need to know which is better (or at least pros and cons), and what a good entry-level one of either of those is.
Pre-Aftershaves? I'm coming from disposables/electric, and I am completely ignorant for what I should be using/doing for a great shaving experience.
What kind of blades should I start on? I really want to try a bunch of different ones and compare results. If a sample pack is in my future, which blades should I be sure it includes?
In addition, I am really eaten up in this whole aspect of the part of my morning routine that I've despised so long actually being enjoyable and effective. I love the idea of having a consistent, comfortable shave every time. Please help me out men!
