Newbie from Melbourne

r4nd0mbr1ck

Member
Joined
May 29, 2019
Location
Melbourne
Hi All,

I recently started on a DE razor - actually my first ever DE shave was this Saturday. What better way to spend the long weekend than practice?!

My dad has always used safety razors but I was living away from home when I started shaving (I didn't have facial hair until uni). So I didn't have a chance to learn from my dad and have been a lifelong Gillette cartridge user - first with a sensor excel and then a fusion.

I am starting out with a Yaqi mellon razor. For now, I am sticking to my Gillette foam gel until I finish it but will switch to a shaving cream soon.

My first few shaves have been ok i.e. I didn't have blood gushing out everywhere. I have been a tad over-cautious with the shaves until I learn proper technique. I don't think my angles are quite right yet and I will have to work up to two passes at least. There are a few difficult spots - under the nose and the chin are particularly vexing. There is still some razor burn and a few nicks during every shave but I will keep practicing.

Edit: Forgot to add that I am using Astra Green atm.
 
Welcome to P&C @r4nd0mbr1ck . Lots of info to be found here.
 
Welcome to the forums @r4nd0mbr1ck
You will go up a level in performance once you get a cream or soap. Is there anything that you have your eye on yet? Let us know if you want recommendations on where to buy.
 
Hi @tim33z - still doing my research on cream/soap. I am leaning towards cream as it sounds easier to start with. Maybe just go the usual route of starting with proraso and working my way up?

I am on a waste reduction drive so I won't be stocking up on creams/soaps. It will have to be one or two at a time.
 
I am on a waste reduction drive so I won't be stocking up on creams/soaps. It will have to be one or two at a time.
Said every one of us here....

Yeah start with some Proraso or Taylor of Old Bond Street. Experiment and learn what works for you.
You got a brush?
 
Welcome mate. Pm me your address and I'll stock you up with some different blades from a fellow Melbournian. 👍

Proraso is a good place to start at a decent price point.
 
@Chad Thanks for the awesome offer. PMing you.

Any good physical stores that stock proraso? From my brief search it looks like shaver shop may have a few variants.
Also what's a good Proraso to start with? I have mildly sensitive skin but rather coarse hair
 
@Chad Thanks for the awesome offer. PMing you.

Any good physical stores that stock proraso? From my brief search it looks like shaver shop may have a few variants.
Also what's a good Proraso to start with? I have mildly sensitive skin but rather coarse hair


Good afternoon @r4nd0mbr1ck.
Shaving is so subjective, what works for one may not work for another. I agree Proraso is a good readily available soap. I started with the white but settled on the green, I found it slick, good protection and love the scent, still use it regularly.
Blades also can make a huge difference to your shaving experience. I would recommend heading to the next Melbourne meet. I am sure the Melbourne blokes will be happy to pass on some freebies to get you started.

Cheers
N
 
Welcome @r4nd0mbr1ck
It is still waste reduction if the soaps are still being used, and when they are done, keep the container and buy refill pucks of more soaps. OK I will be quite now as I'm starting to sound a bit mad hatterish.
 
Hi @r4nd0mbr1ck

As a fellow Melbournite welcome to forums.

I'm gonna disagree with some of the others on the Proraso recommendation. I started out with a tub of the green and (especially if you're only going to have 1-2 open at a time) working through it was extremely tedious.

I'd go for a high quality soap from the outset, you'll enjoy your shaves that much more. As always YMMV
 
Hi @tim33z - still doing my research on cream/soap. I am leaning towards cream as it sounds easier to start with. Maybe just go the usual route of starting with proraso and working my way up?

I am on a waste reduction drive so I won't be stocking up on creams/soaps. It will have to be one or two at a time.
For shaving cream I recommend TOBS Jermyn St as a good starting point. Easy to load and very slick. For a guide on how to get the right angle, you might find this video helpful.
 
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