More Advice for NOOBS!

[Mottern Man]

Use the K.I.S.S. method, as in Keep It Simple Stupid. :D

I see a ton of folks using too much stuff like this preshave routine, and that lather mix, and 10 aftershaves. HOGWASH!

The BEST shaves that I EVER get is when I do nothing, just get up, hot water splash on the face, lather, shave, shower, cold water splash, after shave routine (may I suggest some Aqua Velva and a Proraso ASB).

That is it I am done, BBS and ready to take on the world.

Once you know what you are doing then try other things. As for me when I try a new thing I just keep going back to the old way.

Just MHO, again and as always YMMV.:D

[msandoval858]

Definately good advice. Most of us have a habit of tinkering with shave gear all the time, trying new razors, creams, lathering methods, etc.

If you are just starting out, pick out your razor, brush, cream, and aftershave of choice and learn how to use properly. Then you can branch out, embrace aquisition disorder, remodel bathroom, etc.

:signs136

[Baron]

The BEST shaves that I EVER get is when I do nothing, just get up, hot water splash on the face, lather, shave, shower, cold water splash, after shave routine (may I suggest some Aqua Velva and a Proraso ASB).

I'd have to agree with this... the best shaves I get are when I get up in the morning... splash on hot water while the brush is soaking, lather on my face, and shower afterwards.

While tons of products and hot towel and such feels great, they haven't really improved my shave at all.

[Scorpio]

Indeed, simplicity breeds consistency. Whatever you do, do it consistently and your shaves will be good everytime. The only factor I change is the shave cream I use for the day, everything else remians the same. The rest of my routine is the same everyday.

The lesson here is once you find what works for you dont change except for maybe a different shave cream or soap or razor or straight razor or razor blades...oooppppsss sorry Guess they will find out about AD's soon enough:D

Raf

[Baron]

The lesson here is once you find what works for you dont change except for maybe a different shave cream or soap or razor or straight razor or razor blades...oooppppsss sorry Guess they will find out about AD's soon enough

:D

If anything... just don't change them all at once... at least until you find what you know works only change one thing at a time otherwise you'll never know what worked or didn't

[PottyDoctor]

All great advice. I especially agree on changing only one thing at a time. The worst shaves for me have been when I changed razor setups, then tried a new cream or soap. Problem is, I can't tell what went wrong...the razor or the soap/cream.

I've pretty much settled on my razors. It's primarily between the Merkur HD and the Merkur 1904, occasionally the Merkur Classic. Thing is, they all three have the same head geometry so it makes for a very similar shave.

As far as brushes go, I rotate between three. ShaveMac 24mm Silvertip, Savile Row 20mm Silvertip and the C&E BBB. I don't seem to get much variation in the shave performance by using different brushes, just a slight difference in making lather.

Israeli Personna, Derby and Swedish Gillette are my three blades. Change these every few days. The SG is probably my favorite, but due to it's higher cost I don't use it as often. Between the IP and the Derby, I have a slight preference for the IP at this time; that could change as I use more Derbys.

I have really tried to reduce the number of creams and soaps in my inventory and rotation. I am currently down to D.R. Harris Lavender, AOS Lavender, CF Lavender, KMF Lavender, KMF Unscented, Trumper Violet, T&H Ultimate Comfort and Nancy Boy Signature in creams. My soaps are Mama Bear Honeysuckle, Tabac, Honey Bee Bay Rum, QED Patchouli/TeaTree/Peppermint and QED Unscented. See...I really am minimizing??? :eek:

[bearbeard]

K.I.S.S. applies to everything in life. But definately works in shaving. Most importantly of all is the brush and creme or soap you use and razor. that way you get the mix right, then you can get the angle down, once you get it down with one razor, it doesn't take quite so long when you pick up a new razor. every razor I have has to be held at just a slightly different angle.

[Mottern Man]

Bump!

Newbies, read and heed! :D

My routine is a little changed but still Keep it simple as in "Just Shave Baby"!