- Messages
- 145
- Location
- South Yorkshire
I've been lurking here for a few weeks and thought I would decloak and say hello.
Hello!
61yr old returning to DE shaving after something like 40 yrs on cartridges - Gillette Sensor Excel. A combination of discontinued quality handle and a dissatisfaction with the shave made me contemplate a safety razor option.
So, about a month ago, I came across Brians Executive Shaving "How to Shave" on YouTube. Then went on a bit of a YT binge (mostly geofatboy and a bit of nick shaves).
I thought I'd just be dipping my toe in the water (no pun intended) but a month later I have the following:
DE Safety Razors
Initially bought a SS Wilkinson Sword TTO. Mostly because it reminded me of the DE I had back in the day - can't remember much about it, only that it was a shiny TTO. Shaved with the WS, didn;t kill myself although did slightly nick myself under my nose. Reasonably pleased but a tad underwhelmed. Especially did not like the blade sticking out a little each side of the head. So...more research required.
Bought a Merkur 34c and a nice base to go with it (because it was nice and shiny). Nearly bought a Erwin Jagger DE89 (I do live in Sheffield) but the Merkur pipped it to the post.
Next day, after more research (and possibly a few beers) I also ordered a Henson Al13 v2 (mild). Cost me what I thought was an arm and a leg but it's only money. Think I was also tempted by the engineering/precision marketing.
The Henson arrived first and I've been using that for the last three or so weeks. At present I want to keep the variables to a minimum so the 34c is waiting until I'm a lot more consistently capable with the Henson. I love the Henson. I could swear I got something approaching a BBSlite the other night but mostly it's been DFS (only on the last week). Am even managing OK under the nose. Gently, no pressure, relax, take it easy - oh and I switched to shaving in the evening (major change from the usual 0600hrs).
I've promised myself I'm not going to dive in and start buying a ton of razors and building up a collection but...saw the handle on a Parker 65R last week and had to order it. It arrived today. It now sits beside the 34c awaiting it's turn.
(Thinking about a birth year razor at some point so if someone can point me in the direction of a working Gillette Tech 1961 G2?)
Blades
I've ordered some sample packs and a few individual 5's and 10's.
Long story short I'm currently flipping between using Feathers and Personnas on the Henson. Slight bias towards the Personna at the moment - partly because of the residue that Feather seem to use on their blades - but mostly because of a, somewhat subjective, "feel" .
Brushes
Have bought an EJ horse hair brush and a Simpson T3 synthetic. Mostly using the Simpson to, again, reduce the variables.
Soap/Cream
Not quite got the hang of lathering yet to be honest.
Was initially using tube of Palmolive classic lather cream and also bought a TOBS Sandalwood cream. Finally managing a decent lather but I was applying it all too thick to begin with. Have also ordered some Mitchells Wool Fat Soap to try that option.
Summary
Thoroughly hooked. I need to "perfect" my DE shaving competencies and try not to spend too much money.
Thanks to all who administer and contribute to this forum - a very valuable resource.
Be seeing you...
Hello!
61yr old returning to DE shaving after something like 40 yrs on cartridges - Gillette Sensor Excel. A combination of discontinued quality handle and a dissatisfaction with the shave made me contemplate a safety razor option.
So, about a month ago, I came across Brians Executive Shaving "How to Shave" on YouTube. Then went on a bit of a YT binge (mostly geofatboy and a bit of nick shaves).
I thought I'd just be dipping my toe in the water (no pun intended) but a month later I have the following:
DE Safety Razors
Initially bought a SS Wilkinson Sword TTO. Mostly because it reminded me of the DE I had back in the day - can't remember much about it, only that it was a shiny TTO. Shaved with the WS, didn;t kill myself although did slightly nick myself under my nose. Reasonably pleased but a tad underwhelmed. Especially did not like the blade sticking out a little each side of the head. So...more research required.
Bought a Merkur 34c and a nice base to go with it (because it was nice and shiny). Nearly bought a Erwin Jagger DE89 (I do live in Sheffield) but the Merkur pipped it to the post.
Next day, after more research (and possibly a few beers) I also ordered a Henson Al13 v2 (mild). Cost me what I thought was an arm and a leg but it's only money. Think I was also tempted by the engineering/precision marketing.
The Henson arrived first and I've been using that for the last three or so weeks. At present I want to keep the variables to a minimum so the 34c is waiting until I'm a lot more consistently capable with the Henson. I love the Henson. I could swear I got something approaching a BBSlite the other night but mostly it's been DFS (only on the last week). Am even managing OK under the nose. Gently, no pressure, relax, take it easy - oh and I switched to shaving in the evening (major change from the usual 0600hrs).
I've promised myself I'm not going to dive in and start buying a ton of razors and building up a collection but...saw the handle on a Parker 65R last week and had to order it. It arrived today. It now sits beside the 34c awaiting it's turn.
(Thinking about a birth year razor at some point so if someone can point me in the direction of a working Gillette Tech 1961 G2?)
Blades
I've ordered some sample packs and a few individual 5's and 10's.
Long story short I'm currently flipping between using Feathers and Personnas on the Henson. Slight bias towards the Personna at the moment - partly because of the residue that Feather seem to use on their blades - but mostly because of a, somewhat subjective, "feel" .
Brushes
Have bought an EJ horse hair brush and a Simpson T3 synthetic. Mostly using the Simpson to, again, reduce the variables.
Soap/Cream
Not quite got the hang of lathering yet to be honest.
Was initially using tube of Palmolive classic lather cream and also bought a TOBS Sandalwood cream. Finally managing a decent lather but I was applying it all too thick to begin with. Have also ordered some Mitchells Wool Fat Soap to try that option.
Summary
Thoroughly hooked. I need to "perfect" my DE shaving competencies and try not to spend too much money.
Thanks to all who administer and contribute to this forum - a very valuable resource.
Be seeing you...
