Well, I never thought saving was a hobby! Collecting shaving paraphernalia sure, but actual shaving? Certainly appears to be for many and I can see why after lurking here for only a couple of days. For me it's something I must (and want to) do, and since I do it, I may as well do it right and enjoy the process. As I get older I seem to be more and more interested in the finer things in life, the old ways of doing things, the "proper" way, not the fast and convenient way. There is a price for convenience and usually quality is one of the first things to go out the door. If anyone is into Bicycles you will understand when I tell you I have started buying vintage hand made steel frames to add alongside my modern carbon racing bike. I fit them with hand made, custom built, tubular wheel sets. A tubular tyre is glued on, takes extra care, is more expensive but gives a superior ride quality. So do the steel frame.
So, here I am last weekend shaving with an electric razor, one that I have used for close to 20 years. Humidity is over 80% at 7:30am and I'm sweating a little in the bathroom, just out of the shower as is normal here in summer. The Braun Series 5 is in my opinion an excellent device but it struggles on a moist face and I often resort to standing in front of the a/c to try and keep my face dry in an effort to get an acceptable shave. Then I notice the foil is broken, time for a replacement but can't till Monday. The following day (Sunday) I am shaving with a cheap can of cream, and a disposable twin blade I had left over from so long ago I can't remember ever buying them. Maybe the wife bought them for her legs, I have no idea. During the shaveI began to think... this ain't so bad and once again begin to think about the old ways, the proper way.
I have over the years looked at buying a DE and what not. I've read a few articles and was semi convinced to try it out but I guess laziness and buy in cost meant I never did. Anyway, I began to look again first thing Monday. Read a bunch over at shaving101 and a couple of other sites before stumbling onto this one. Since I like to get advice, and learn from those who have gone before me I decided to sign up.
Being a new and knowing naught beyond what I had read, I decided a kit was the best place to start. After a good few hours looking around I settled on a kit from Men's Biz.
* Merkur Heavy Duty (34C) Razor,
* Proraso Shaving Cream (Sandalwood & Shea Butter)
* Men's Biz Super Badger Hair Shaving Brush
* Astra Superior Platinum Double Edge Razor Blades
* Derby Extra Double Edge Razor Blades
* Feather Double Edge Razor Blades
* Merkur Super Platinum Double Edge Razor Blades
* Personna Red Pack Double Edge Razor Blades
Good range of blades, apparently the gold standard razor, and cheap but get's good reviews brush.
I have a bottle of (and i'm embarrassed to admit this) Brut33 after shave that was a gift will do me for now ( I like the smell actually), but I am definitely on the lookout for a good aftershave. When electric shaving, I never bothered with it. Recommendations welcome. The wife has been just that bit more attentive the last two days of shaving with a blade, and putting on aftershave so thumbs up there.
My old man uses an electric too but from my youth I can remember him using a brush with cart razors. Prior to that he certainly had a DE, I have seen it but never him using it. He is currently moving house, from the one mum and dad have lived in since 1968 so will be finding all sorts of old goodies. I have emailed him asking for him to keep any shaving stuff he finds. You just never know what they have buried in the garage because they never throw anything out!
I see the Toll tracking page tells me my goodies are out for delivery today so I am excitedly looking forward to a shave in the morning for the first time in my life.
Let the learning begin.
So, here I am last weekend shaving with an electric razor, one that I have used for close to 20 years. Humidity is over 80% at 7:30am and I'm sweating a little in the bathroom, just out of the shower as is normal here in summer. The Braun Series 5 is in my opinion an excellent device but it struggles on a moist face and I often resort to standing in front of the a/c to try and keep my face dry in an effort to get an acceptable shave. Then I notice the foil is broken, time for a replacement but can't till Monday. The following day (Sunday) I am shaving with a cheap can of cream, and a disposable twin blade I had left over from so long ago I can't remember ever buying them. Maybe the wife bought them for her legs, I have no idea. During the shaveI began to think... this ain't so bad and once again begin to think about the old ways, the proper way.
I have over the years looked at buying a DE and what not. I've read a few articles and was semi convinced to try it out but I guess laziness and buy in cost meant I never did. Anyway, I began to look again first thing Monday. Read a bunch over at shaving101 and a couple of other sites before stumbling onto this one. Since I like to get advice, and learn from those who have gone before me I decided to sign up.
Being a new and knowing naught beyond what I had read, I decided a kit was the best place to start. After a good few hours looking around I settled on a kit from Men's Biz.
* Merkur Heavy Duty (34C) Razor,
* Proraso Shaving Cream (Sandalwood & Shea Butter)
* Men's Biz Super Badger Hair Shaving Brush
* Astra Superior Platinum Double Edge Razor Blades
* Derby Extra Double Edge Razor Blades
* Feather Double Edge Razor Blades
* Merkur Super Platinum Double Edge Razor Blades
* Personna Red Pack Double Edge Razor Blades
Good range of blades, apparently the gold standard razor, and cheap but get's good reviews brush.
I have a bottle of (and i'm embarrassed to admit this) Brut33 after shave that was a gift will do me for now ( I like the smell actually), but I am definitely on the lookout for a good aftershave. When electric shaving, I never bothered with it. Recommendations welcome. The wife has been just that bit more attentive the last two days of shaving with a blade, and putting on aftershave so thumbs up there.
My old man uses an electric too but from my youth I can remember him using a brush with cart razors. Prior to that he certainly had a DE, I have seen it but never him using it. He is currently moving house, from the one mum and dad have lived in since 1968 so will be finding all sorts of old goodies. I have emailed him asking for him to keep any shaving stuff he finds. You just never know what they have buried in the garage because they never throw anything out!
I see the Toll tracking page tells me my goodies are out for delivery today so I am excitedly looking forward to a shave in the morning for the first time in my life.
Let the learning begin.
Fantastic price must cheaper than oversea made shaving soaps and this will save you lots of money in the long term future. 
