First, I have been lurking here for a bit, trying to gain some knowledge and the information has been very helpful. Some is a bit overwhelming, what with all the different routines that members use. I finally boiled it down to the basics and decided to go from there. Someone mentioned that his advice to a friend was "keep it simple." Great advice.
I'm 39 years old and have been shaving with a Mach 3/Fusion/whatever cartridge for at least 20 years. Typically 5-7 days a week. I have been lamenting the escalating costs of these things for years and also end up with significant irritation on my neck no matter what blade or cream. This board has encouraged me to try something new (old).
To the point: decided to take a small plunge. Gathered some supplies over the past few days and finally got my razor from Amazon yesterday. Here's my equipment:
-Merkur 34C
-Derby blades (appear to be a good starter based on some reviews, also bought some Personna stainless, Wilkinson Sword and Astra blades).
-C.O. Bigelow cream (Proraso)
-Cheap brush
-Old mug
-Some aftershave/moisturizer I've used for a while from Target with SPF15 protection.
Went ahead and got started with a shower while the brush soaked. Then I went to it. WTG/XTG/ATG, not all intentional. I have grain going all over the place. The good news is the parts where I got close were definitely closer than the Fusion. I nicked up my neck a bit, but I was nicking it up with the Fusion anyway. Hopefully with less irritation and better technique that will be reduced.
I learned a few things already:
I'm probably never going to be a hobbyist with multiple razors and straps and straight razors, but I think I'm going to like it. I'll use the same setup for the next week probably, then maybe try a different blade.
Thanks again for all the advice.
I'm 39 years old and have been shaving with a Mach 3/Fusion/whatever cartridge for at least 20 years. Typically 5-7 days a week. I have been lamenting the escalating costs of these things for years and also end up with significant irritation on my neck no matter what blade or cream. This board has encouraged me to try something new (old).
To the point: decided to take a small plunge. Gathered some supplies over the past few days and finally got my razor from Amazon yesterday. Here's my equipment:
-Merkur 34C
-Derby blades (appear to be a good starter based on some reviews, also bought some Personna stainless, Wilkinson Sword and Astra blades).
-C.O. Bigelow cream (Proraso)
-Cheap brush
-Old mug
-Some aftershave/moisturizer I've used for a while from Target with SPF15 protection.
Went ahead and got started with a shower while the brush soaked. Then I went to it. WTG/XTG/ATG, not all intentional. I have grain going all over the place. The good news is the parts where I got close were definitely closer than the Fusion. I nicked up my neck a bit, but I was nicking it up with the Fusion anyway. Hopefully with less irritation and better technique that will be reduced.
I learned a few things already:
- No need to be afraid of a DE razor. A little blood happens anyway and I'm unlikely to slice my jugular.
- Need to work on the correct angle. I scraped a few times and slid only the guard a few times.
- The places I did right are really smooth.
- I'll keep doing it.
I'm probably never going to be a hobbyist with multiple razors and straps and straight razors, but I think I'm going to like it. I'll use the same setup for the next week probably, then maybe try a different blade.
Thanks again for all the advice.
شارك عبر الماسنجر
