Hello

[Sir Critic]

Hello Everyone,

I have been a long time silent reader and thought this would be a good time to say hi.
I am a newbie in every sense of the word and will have some questions when I get my head... ...err list together. :D
Looking forward to learning from everyone.

~Kevin

[TraderJoe]

Hello, Kevin!!

Welcome to the Shave Den :eatdrink004

We're thrilled to have you, and eager to help!

[Queen of Blades]

Welcome to The Shave Den, Kevin!

Woohoo Newbie!!! ::

Play nice, boys. ;)

[PalmettoB]

Welcome aboard, Kevin. Ask away, we're here to help!

[Sir Critic]

Thank you for the warm welcome.

Is the newbie forum a good place to talk about a newbie equipment list needed for shaving or should I split it up for the different forums?

Thanks again for the welcome.:happy093

[Queen of Blades]

Is the newbie forum a good place to talk about a newbie equipment list needed for shaving or should I split it up for the different forums?


No time like the present. :D

Do you have anything yet?

[IsaacRN]

Welcome to the Den......

Post away....in the Newbie if needed.and when you get the hang of it....youll find out where to post what.

[Sir Critic]

Sad to say but my past and only experience with shaving has been spelled N o r e i c o which is roughly translated "bad shaves" in English. :rofl
After literally wiping the blood away from my face I started searching the internet. I soon found the blog and articles by LeisureGuy and videos by mantic. Because I have no experience with wet shaving of any kind I still have question despite all my reading. So here goes...

Equipment I think I will need but want your input if its the right stuff and will be newbie friendly.

Razors: Merkur HD or 38c, a razor by Weishi (model?) or other ideas
Lather: MB's 100% Natural shaving soap. I open to other suggestions but would like a natural soap because of allergies.
Brush: Ideas needed. (Maybe the 20mm Select Grade Brush Head by Blankity-blanks? I would make the handle)
Blades: Some sampler pack (suggestions?)
Post Shave: Not sure whats needed? :confused:
What else am I forgetting?

Because I am a student I do have a budget but I am willing wait until I have the needed money to buy quality products. I would consider used if there are reputable sources. I would like stuff thats friendly to newbie but that can also be used when experienced, in other words I wont be able to keep upgrading (one razor, one brush, etc).

[Queen of Blades]

Equipment I think I will need but want your input if its the right stuff and will be newbie friendly.

Razors: Merkur HD or 38c, a razor by Weishi (model?) or other ideas
Lather: MB's 100% Natural shaving soap. I open to other suggestions but would like a natural soap because of allergies.
Brush: Ideas needed. (Maybe the 20mm Select Grade Brush Head by Blankity-blanks? I would make the handle)
Blades: Some sampler pack (suggestions?)
Post Shave: Not sure whats needed? :confused:
What else am I forgetting?


Why not pick up a nice used Gillette? It would save you a bit of money for other goodies.
I would recommend a soap from here (http://theshaveden.com/store/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=11). Just as natural as MB's soap. Better lather if I do say so myself. ;)
I love the Crabtree & Evelyn Best Badger Brush.
I don't have the links for the blade sampler packs, somebody else will have to chime in on that.

[SSLSTudio...]

Welcome Kevin,

your in good hands I see just remember everyone started once at ZERO.

[Bronco]

Welcome Kevin! It's nice to have you here.
Check Here (http://www.theshaveden.com/forum/showpost.php?p=29862&postcount=1) for info on sampler packs.

[TraderJoe]

Post Shave: Not sure whats needed? :confused:


Aqua Velva Ice Blue :happy088

[jbcohen]

I am with Joanna, Queen of Blades. Although I can adda bit of information to the discussion here. On another forum I did a poll, I asked what the best razor was and the two front runners were the Gillette Super Speed and the Merkur Heavy Duty. The Supper Speed barely edged out the Heavy Duty in voting by approximatly .5%. On this forum the Super Speed is running a close second and the heavy duty is a far distant fifth. Seem to me that since the Super Speed seems to be a front runner in every poll there must be something to it. I am also a addicted to the Super Speed - Once two packages arive on my doorstep I will have a 40s, 50s, 60, 70s, long handle, and red tip. need a blue tip to complete the collection.

There is nothing wrong with the Heavy Duty its just that most pople I talk to seem to like the super speed better. For soap I recommend Crabtree and Evelyn Sandlewood. Brush - a Best Badger any brand. For blades I would recommend going to West Coast Shaving and ordering a sampler pack there, then going to Razor and Brush and ordering a sampler pack there as well. The below image should give you an idea of what a super speed looks like, the one in the photo is my 60s version:

[Mottern Man]

Welcome Kevin! It's nice to have you here.
Check Here (http://www.theshaveden.com/forum/showpost.php?p=29862&postcount=1) for info on sampler packs.

Best advice I can give on this, COLLECT THEM ALL!

Welcome Aboard! :cool:

[Sejanus]

Welcome newcomer! Enjoy your time here, you will find everyone is friendly. :)

[Queen of Blades]

you will find everyone is friendly. :)
Except for Rich's attack badger. Watch out for him! :eek:

[Sejanus]

Except for Rich's attack badger. Watch out for him! :eek:

Shhhh! I didn't want to mention him!:mad:

[Queen of Blades]

Shhhh! I didn't want to mention him!:mad:

Oops! Sorry. :ashamed001

[Sejanus]

Oops! Sorry. :ashamed001

:signs136

[Padron]

Aqua Velva Ice Blue :happy088

+ another....Welcome to TSD Kevin!!

[jbcohen]

Could do that Mottern Man but I would not recommend it.

[IsaacRN]

That addiction will come soon enough :P

[Sir Critic]

Wow, TSD is a great place with lots of friendly people. Thanks everyone for your help and suggestions.:signs001

Heres the update:
The razor will be a Gillette, thanks to a wonderful TSD member.
Because I live 2.5+ hours from a Wal-Mart most of the shopping will be done online. But first I'll see what my little local drugstore offers. Any ideas of good items to look for or what to avoid when checking with the few local stores for any brushes, soaps or aftershaves available.

After I'm done shaving will an Alum block + some type of witchhazel be enough?

:happy093 :signs001Again

[Queen of Blades]

After I'm done shaving will an Alum block + some type of witchhazel be enough?


That's all I use generally, but that's mainly cause aftershaves tend to be masculine scented. And while that is fine with me for a shaving soap or cream, I don't care to walk around all day smelling like a guy.

Ummmm......YMMV most likely. :ashamed001

[Bronco]

I don't care to walk around all day smelling like a guy.

Ummmm......YMMV most likely. :ashamed001

....and we appreciate that! :D

[Queen of Blades]

....and we appreciate that! :D

Atleast someone does. ;)

[Scorpio]

Hello and welcome!!!

There are many alternatives for all natural soaps. Listen to JoAnna.
One thing I will mention is that you will not find badger hair on the internet as this is only sold to manufacturers and dealers. The alternative is to start with a boar brush that you may find at your local store or Walgreens or CVS. There are many online suppliers so check our list of vendors...that will keep you busyfor a while:D

As far as aftershaves, well, there are two camps here( a friendly disagreement if you will). Some will make you believe that Velva is the one for you. There are others that know that Velva is used as Windshield Wiper Fluid or barbicide. I recommend something like Pinaud Clubman which is easily accesible to the general public. Of course I will be called a hater, jealous and other names. Bottom line is I smell better than they do and they know it:D

For example:

this is what happens when you stay away from the Velva
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g236/scorpio1305/DSC_0370.jpg


If you use Velva, well, you remember Milton the red stapler guy from the movie The Office??? I think you get the picture;)

I am here just to show folks there are alternatives. Again, welcome and enjoy and please remember to ask questions we are here to help you.

Raf

[Queen of Blades]

you will not find badger hair on the internet as this is only sold to manufacturers and dealers.

Blankity-Blank sells to anyone, as far as I know. :confused:

But, yes, Kevin listen to Raf when he says to listen to me. :signs136

[Scorpio]

Blankity-Blank sells to anyone, as far as I know. :confused:


I could be wrong...



Raf

[ltlsuz]

Welcome. Enjoy your stay!
Susie

[Bronco]

I could be wrong...
Raf


:shocked029 :D

[crackstar]

welcome to our paradise, Kevin, and enjoy yourself!

[jbcohen]

Here are a few places I would recommend for the blades: razorandbrush.com and westcoastshaving.com.

[William]

Welcome Kevin,

Don't tell anyone Shhhhhh but my name is also Kevin but I prefer William it's my middle name. Promise you wont tell?

You'll like it here by the way:D

[seamus402]

Welcome to our world!

[rick]

Welcome to the Den !

and BTW, you can buy a LOT of AV with the $$$ moolah Raf hasta spend getting his picture taken with super models :D

::duel

GO Velva !!!

[TraderJoe]

and BTW, you can buy a LOT of AV with the $$$ moolah Raf hasta spend getting his picture taken with super models :D




:happy001 good point!

[Sir Critic]

High time for an update.
After all the needed stuff got here for shaving I was so busy with school couldn't use it. So I waited for a few day which didn't hurt because I really needed to rally up some courage anyway.

Equipment used for first shave after whack off my beard.
1930's Gillette Tech w/ personna blade. Van Der Hagen deluxe shaving soap with a natural bristle(read boar hair) Ever-Ready shaving brush($10:D). Ending with some AS from Melaleuca. (and since I have permission let me now say a big thank you to Bronco for the razor, blades and soap:signs001)

So how was it. Well let me simply say I have plenty of things to improve.
I felt I had trouble getting the razor to smoothly cut the hair off although when it did it was fun to feel/hear it cut. Part of my problem could be the wrong blade(unlikely), poor lather(very likely) or all because I'm a newbie(highly likely:rofl); I should include it may be a problem I didn't mention either(also likely). In the end I had 3 nicks and a very scraggly job; in fact I ended up using my electric:eek: this morning to be presentable. I should also mention that I only wet-me-feet and just tried two WTG strokes; although it was difficult because I find it hard to follow the contours of my face.

Any way I going to try again tonight and see if I can improve my lather and get the razor to stop skipping.

[Sir Critic]

Don't tell anyone Shhhhhh but my name is also Kevin but I prefer William it's my middle name. Promise you wont tell?

O.K. William I wont tell anyone ;)

[Queen of Blades]

Practice your lathering technique.

You may not have a ton of soaps and creams right now, but you will. So practicing lathering won't hurt you.

[Sir Critic]

Practice your lathering technique.

Good idea; I've already done so but will continue just trying to make lather. Thank you.

[TraderJoe]

High time for an update.
After all the needed stuff got here for shaving I was so busy with school couldn't use it. So I waited for a few day which didn't hurt because I really needed to rally up some courage anyway.

Equipment used for first shave after whack off my beard.
1930's Gillette Tech w/ personna blade. Van Der Hagen deluxe shaving soap with a natural bristle(read boar hair) Ever-Ready shaving brush($10:D). Ending with some AS from Melaleuca. (and since I have permission let me now say a big thank you to Bronco for the razor, blades and soap:signs001)

So how was it. Well let me simply say I have plenty of things to improve.
I felt I had trouble getting the razor to smoothly cut the hair off although when it did it was fun to feel/hear it cut. Part of my problem could be the wrong blade(unlikely), poor lather(very likely) or all because I'm a newbie(highly likely:rofl); I should include it may be a problem I didn't mention either(also likely). In the end I had 3 nicks and a very scraggly job; in fact I ended up using my electric:eek: this morning to be presentable. I should also mention that I only wet-me-feet and just tried two WTG strokes; although it was difficult because I find it hard to follow the contours of my face.

Any way I going to try again tonight and see if I can improve my lather and get the razor to stop skipping.


Keep the faith, buddy! You'll get the hang of it eventually, trust me. ;)

Be sure to do a healthy amount of "prep" -work, I'd say thats 80-90% of a great shave

[Bronco]

Kevin,
Technique is something that take's time, there is no rush, relax, it will come.
I think of shaving as a craft. Learn how to use the tools and practice.
Joanna said practice your lathering, even if you aren't shaving. Sometimes blades work better in different razors, try a Crystal in that bad boy and follow Joe's advice about prep. Review Mantic's videos. What you are looking for will come. Don't be afraid to ask questions, we were all in your shoes at one time.
Best of luck!

[seamus402]

Hello and welcome!!!

There are many alternatives for all natural soaps. Listen to JoAnna.
One thing I will mention is that you will not find badger hair on the internet as this is only sold to manufacturers and dealers. The alternative is to start with a boar brush that you may find at your local store or Walgreens or CVS. There are many online suppliers so check our list of vendors...that will keep you busyfor a while:D

As far as aftershaves, well, there are two camps here( a friendly disagreement if you will). Some will make you believe that Velva is the one for you. There are others that know that Velva is used as Windshield Wiper Fluid or barbicide. I recommend something like Pinaud Clubman which is easily accesible to the general public. Of course I will be called a hater, jealous and other names. Bottom line is I smell better than they do and they know it:D

For example:

this is what happens when you stay away from the Velva
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g236/scorpio1305/DSC_0370.jpg


If you use Velva, well, you remember Milton the red stapler guy from the movie The Office??? I think you get the picture;)

I am here just to show folks there are alternatives. Again, welcome and enjoy and please remember to ask questions we are here to help you.



Raf


If you stay away from the Velva do you become a hot woman???:eek:

[Sir Critic]

Another update for those that are interested. I hardly know where to start but here goes....

First, my shaves have improved drastically, now I'm hooked on wet shaving:drool. Looking forward to the day when I feel improved enough that I can justify buying more stuff like a badger hair brush, etc.

I can't really say one particular thing has helped me because I feel everything has improved. I did start prepping with hair conditioner along with the hot towels and found that seemed to improve the shave (Trader Joe your right, for me good prep. really helps). Also soaking the soap in hot water for a short time before lathering really helps on the lathering end (the brush is now broke in w/ hardly any stink). I graduated from Personna blade to a Crystal and as long as the beard growth is <18 hours old it feels sharper with a closer cut (thanks Bronco for the suggestion).

I never knew that I could shave so close with so little if any irritation. I so excited :happy093:chores016:happy108:happy036

And thanks everyone, sorry I couldn't mention everyones name and the way they helped me, but I do appreciate all the suggestions and help.

P.S. I'm still undecided about AV(will try before finalizing); but I will say that if in attracts the stuff in the picture I wont nothing to do with it. In fact I would like something that would repel them, which some claim AV does :confused:. What confusion AV has brought into the world, think of the world peace we would have if it wasn't for AV wars;).
I should add that I don't mind girls but like the variety that has inward beauty like kindness, helpfulness, happiness, joyfulness etc. and not the kind dirty jokes are made of (no offense to anyone in particular).

[IsaacRN]

Glad things are working out for yah. Once you commit to the AV.....things will only get better from there?

[jbcohen]

I knowwhat you are feeling when you say that your past was electric razors. I used those horrible things for twenty-five years, never got a good shave out of them ever. I finally made the witch to wet shaving one year ago and have never looked back, so I can well udnerstand what you mean. Below are my own personal recommendations for hardware to get you going:

Razor: Gillette Super Speed, any model at all - I did a poll on another forum asking what the best razor was and the two front runners were the Gillette Super Speed and the Merkur Heavy Duty. The Super Speed barely edged out the heavy duty to take top honors by something like .1% The quality step up to the super pseed is minimal but its still worth it.

Soap: A lot of people I talk to like Cornel Conk's Bay Rum soap. I generally preferr Crabtree and Evelyn's Sandlewood soap.

Brush - At least a best badger brush

Blades - Sampler pack from west coast shaving and razor and brush

After Shave - Most men I talk to preferr Acq Velva, although most men I talk to preferr Bay Rum, go figure.

[Queen of Blades]

Congrats on the improved shaves, Kevin!

Thanks for the update!

[Bronco]

Glad things are improving Kevin. The better you get at it, the more you will enjoy it!

[jbcohen]

:signs107