Well, not exactly a kid. I'll be 70 this year, retired, a recent covert to wet shaving after years of increasingly overpriced cartridges or electrics that left my face a mess. It's a revelation. I got tired of the prices and generally unimpressive shaves and decided to do a little research. It immediately appealed to me partly because of memories of my dad and grandfather shaving with their safety razors and my belief that newer isn't always better.
I'm only a few weeks in but have a Van Der Hagen TTO, my first safety razor, as well as an Edwin Jagger DE89 and the newest member, a Rockwell 6C in Gunmetal finish. All three are good razors in their own right. I love the adjustability, weight and feel of the Rockwell (the #4 plate is my favorite so far), the beautiful fit and finish of the Edwin Jagger and the great value of the VDH.
I've tried numerous blades, preferring the Astra Superior Platinums, Derby Extras and Voskhods. I think my brand for now is Astra but I have probably more than a dozen tucks from other manufacturers.
As far as shave prep, I went with a universal favorite, a Proraso Green mug, and a badger brush or a synthetic brush someone sent me. On days when I shave on consecutive days, I often use Cremo Original, which is another great value and performs extremely well for me. For aftershave, at this stage I'm just using Gillette Aftershave Gel. I'm sure as time goes on, I'll try different soaps and aftershave products but these all work for me for now.
I'm starting off simple, just enjoying improving my technique, figuring out which blades work best, taking my time, and enjoying the whole experience. It's a connection to the past, which as a history buff I enjoy and the end result is the closest, best shaves I've ever had in over a half century of shaving.
I'm only a few weeks in but have a Van Der Hagen TTO, my first safety razor, as well as an Edwin Jagger DE89 and the newest member, a Rockwell 6C in Gunmetal finish. All three are good razors in their own right. I love the adjustability, weight and feel of the Rockwell (the #4 plate is my favorite so far), the beautiful fit and finish of the Edwin Jagger and the great value of the VDH.
I've tried numerous blades, preferring the Astra Superior Platinums, Derby Extras and Voskhods. I think my brand for now is Astra but I have probably more than a dozen tucks from other manufacturers.
As far as shave prep, I went with a universal favorite, a Proraso Green mug, and a badger brush or a synthetic brush someone sent me. On days when I shave on consecutive days, I often use Cremo Original, which is another great value and performs extremely well for me. For aftershave, at this stage I'm just using Gillette Aftershave Gel. I'm sure as time goes on, I'll try different soaps and aftershave products but these all work for me for now.
I'm starting off simple, just enjoying improving my technique, figuring out which blades work best, taking my time, and enjoying the whole experience. It's a connection to the past, which as a history buff I enjoy and the end result is the closest, best shaves I've ever had in over a half century of shaving.