Soldato
Pre shave cream or oil. It's not essential but I've always felt like I've missed a step if i don't use it.
Soldato
Looks good reality bites, I'd go ahead with that.
As for above, astra blades are a good starter but it is a good idea to get a sample pack to begin with
http://www.traditionalshaving.co.uk...ditional-Shaving-Razor-Blade-Sample-Pack.html
I wouldn't worry about a preshave oil yet, if you find that washing your face with hot water (or even just a quick once over with a soaked shaving brush) doesn't prep your face enough then maybe look into it. For the majority though, all you need to get cracking is a razor, brush, blades and cream/soap.
You've got tonnes to learn, but my first tip is to thoroughly rinse with cold water immediately post shave
As for above, astra blades are a good starter but it is a good idea to get a sample pack to begin with
http://www.traditionalshaving.co.uk...ditional-Shaving-Razor-Blade-Sample-Pack.html
I wouldn't worry about a preshave oil yet, if you find that washing your face with hot water (or even just a quick once over with a soaked shaving brush) doesn't prep your face enough then maybe look into it. For the majority though, all you need to get cracking is a razor, brush, blades and cream/soap.
You've got tonnes to learn, but my first tip is to thoroughly rinse with cold water immediately post shave
Soldato
Cool, thanks, will go with the sample pack.
Only really shave once or twice a week and doing it with an electric shaver is a bit poo. Went off wet shaves due to sheer price of cartridges.
Only really shave once or twice a week and doing it with an electric shaver is a bit poo. Went off wet shaves due to sheer price of cartridges.
Definitely get the Alum bloc, it lasts for ever, gives you an idea how good your shave was through all the stinging and makes light work of any nicks you have.
Been really impressed with the Body shop Maca cream, lathers well and certainly feels premium, I've not been impressed with proraso so far, just doesn't seem to lather very well at all, going against every review I've read which is unusual.
Been really impressed with the Body shop Maca cream, lathers well and certainly feels premium, I've not been impressed with proraso so far, just doesn't seem to lather very well at all, going against every review I've read which is unusual.
Soldato
I don't rate the ProRaso shave cream that highly either. Found ToBS and T&F to be much better.
ToBS coconut arrived yesterday. It's not overly heavy on the scent and works well.
ToBS coconut arrived yesterday. It's not overly heavy on the scent and works well.
I've found the same thing with the ProRaso recently, leaves my skin dried out. I've just ordered some ToBS Sandalwood stuff to try instead!
Soldato
I currently have tubes of Prosraso and Godrej, and a tub of TOBS Sandalwood in my rotation. The TOBS wins hands-down. Much less product needed for a creamier cushionier lather. But it does cost that bit more.
Soldato
Went with the Mühle R89 Grande In the end.....thought I'd get on better with the longer handle.
Soldato
Finally received my Rockwell 6s this morning. Ordered in November and despatched from Toronto last Monday.
Looking forward to trying it out tomorrow.
Looking forward to trying it out tomorrow.
Looks like a beast. Let us know how you get on.
Associate
Used electric all my life, always had problems. Here's my shopping basket today:
Merkur 34C Heavy Duty Classic Double Edge Safety Razor £29.99
Taylor of Old Bond St Shaving Cream (Sandalwood 150g) £9.99
Taylor of Old Bond St Mr Taylors Aftershave Balm (75ml) £14.99
10 Feather & 10 Derby Extra & 10 Israeli Made Double Edged Razor Blades£8.19
Edwin Jagger Best Badger Brush Medium (Ebony) £30.99
Subtotal: £94.15
good?
Merkur 34C Heavy Duty Classic Double Edge Safety Razor £29.99
Taylor of Old Bond St Shaving Cream (Sandalwood 150g) £9.99
Taylor of Old Bond St Mr Taylors Aftershave Balm (75ml) £14.99
10 Feather & 10 Derby Extra & 10 Israeli Made Double Edged Razor Blades£8.19
Edwin Jagger Best Badger Brush Medium (Ebony) £30.99
Subtotal: £94.15
good?
Associate
Excellent choice. Try the Feathers last. They are the sharpest and not the best to be learning with!
Associate
That is a classy product!
Associate
Thanks for the suggestion, ether of the other two easier?
Also couldn't find a tub I liked for mixing the cream (all the ones I liked came with soap) do I need one or can I use the packet the TOBS cream comes in?
Associate
I actually prefer Astra Platinum's over Feathers now. Bonus is they are cheaper too.
Soldato
Get some on the brush from the tub and lather on your face. Wet the brush first but not so that its loaded with water.
Try the Derbys first to get used to the technique, they are more forgiving than any other. The Israelis are middle ground (also Gilette 7s, Wilkinson Sword, Lord)
Try the Derbys first to get used to the technique, they are more forgiving than any other. The Israelis are middle ground (also Gilette 7s, Wilkinson Sword, Lord)
Associate
Blade choice is very personal. It is clear though that some blades are sharper and harder to use without problem. The Feather is consistently rated the sharpest.
I have a tough, white wirely beard and after much experimenting only the Feather and an efficient (aggressive) razor (Muhle R41 with long heavy handle) will do the job, so I am not well placed to advise on the use of a non-Feather, but I should try them in the order Derby, Persona, Feather.
If you find the Feather too risky, and the others unsuitable then get a sample pack from Connaught Shaving and experiment some more.
http://connaughtshaving.com/samplepack.html
You may find that with more experience you can comfortably use a Feather; but if you don't need such a sharp blade why pay the premium?
You can work a lather directly on the face: you don't need a bowl. Any old large cup or small bowl will do, however.
I use this one
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Mühle-White...1456320360&sr=8-2&keywords=muhle+shaving+bowl
It comes in black too (harder to keep clean!)
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Muhle-Black...1456320360&sr=8-3&keywords=muhle+shaving+bowl
You can get the same product with Jagger's name on it
http://www.stubbleandstrife.com/edwin-jagger-shaving-bowl-with-handle-black-porcelain/
And maybe in white too, but I don't see it.
I have a tough, white wirely beard and after much experimenting only the Feather and an efficient (aggressive) razor (Muhle R41 with long heavy handle) will do the job, so I am not well placed to advise on the use of a non-Feather, but I should try them in the order Derby, Persona, Feather.
If you find the Feather too risky, and the others unsuitable then get a sample pack from Connaught Shaving and experiment some more.
http://connaughtshaving.com/samplepack.html
You may find that with more experience you can comfortably use a Feather; but if you don't need such a sharp blade why pay the premium?
You can work a lather directly on the face: you don't need a bowl. Any old large cup or small bowl will do, however.
I use this one
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Mühle-White...1456320360&sr=8-2&keywords=muhle+shaving+bowl
It comes in black too (harder to keep clean!)
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Muhle-Black...1456320360&sr=8-3&keywords=muhle+shaving+bowl
You can get the same product with Jagger's name on it
http://www.stubbleandstrife.com/edwin-jagger-shaving-bowl-with-handle-black-porcelain/
And maybe in white too, but I don't see it.
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Associate
There is a shavekit dot com in the US, but I don't think you mean that.
Do you mean the UK based Connaught? I have used them for years. Excellent with good prices.
Do you mean the UK based Connaught? I have used them for years. Excellent with good prices.