Firecrest
Well-Known Member
Hi everyone,
I just wanted to introduce myself as I have lurked around various wet shaving forums for a while and thought it was about time I made the plunge and contributed (particularly as I have learnt a lot over the years by reading!).
I'm from Staffordshire. UK and I started DE wet shaving about 10 years ago after years of cartridge shaving. I delved into it as a way of trying to save money and to get a better shave as for years I had shaving rashes and thought that was just how it was always going to be for me due to my beard/skin type. I got a Merkur 34C some Astra SP blades and proceeded to try. I then realised that there was a lot more to it than just switching from multiple blades to one, and in fact technique was a large part of it as was mapping your beard growth etc. Gradually got marginally better but then got lazy. I continued DE shaving but treated it as a chore again, shaving quickly in the morning, just buying any old shaving cream when I run out without any real thought and so on.
The Merkur broke so that brought me to the forums again to look for a replacement. I thought I'd better stay with a 'mild' razor but wanted a three piece so went for a Muhle R89. This brought me back to the forums again and starting to read up, particularly as my skin was suffering again with redness and rashes after shaving, realised that my technique had probably got sloppy (if it ever really improved) and that there was actually some benefit to getting a decent shaving soap. I've now also realised that as shaving is something I have to do (almost) every day, why not treat it as a nice time for myself rather than rushing at it? I have now started down the rabbit hole and am actually enjoying my shaves again rather than just tolerating them. I'm looking forward to learning more, enjoying trying different soaps, realising the importance of proper shave prep, building a good lather, taking my time and everything. I've wanted to try a more aggressive razor as well so have got myself the beast of an R41 and after one shave realised the difference!
I am looking forward to participating in SOTD (although my camera is awful so it may just be text based) as I've been enjoying reading them and seeing what you are all using so it is only right to contribute as well.
I fear that my skin and general well being will thank me but my wallet won't!
Anyway, good to meet you all and apologies for the biography!
Mark,
Firecrest
I just wanted to introduce myself as I have lurked around various wet shaving forums for a while and thought it was about time I made the plunge and contributed (particularly as I have learnt a lot over the years by reading!).
I'm from Staffordshire. UK and I started DE wet shaving about 10 years ago after years of cartridge shaving. I delved into it as a way of trying to save money and to get a better shave as for years I had shaving rashes and thought that was just how it was always going to be for me due to my beard/skin type. I got a Merkur 34C some Astra SP blades and proceeded to try. I then realised that there was a lot more to it than just switching from multiple blades to one, and in fact technique was a large part of it as was mapping your beard growth etc. Gradually got marginally better but then got lazy. I continued DE shaving but treated it as a chore again, shaving quickly in the morning, just buying any old shaving cream when I run out without any real thought and so on.
The Merkur broke so that brought me to the forums again to look for a replacement. I thought I'd better stay with a 'mild' razor but wanted a three piece so went for a Muhle R89. This brought me back to the forums again and starting to read up, particularly as my skin was suffering again with redness and rashes after shaving, realised that my technique had probably got sloppy (if it ever really improved) and that there was actually some benefit to getting a decent shaving soap. I've now also realised that as shaving is something I have to do (almost) every day, why not treat it as a nice time for myself rather than rushing at it? I have now started down the rabbit hole and am actually enjoying my shaves again rather than just tolerating them. I'm looking forward to learning more, enjoying trying different soaps, realising the importance of proper shave prep, building a good lather, taking my time and everything. I've wanted to try a more aggressive razor as well so have got myself the beast of an R41 and after one shave realised the difference!
I am looking forward to participating in SOTD (although my camera is awful so it may just be text based) as I've been enjoying reading them and seeing what you are all using so it is only right to contribute as well.
I fear that my skin and general well being will thank me but my wallet won't!
Anyway, good to meet you all and apologies for the biography!
Mark,
Firecrest
