1. User
2. Bandit82ta

This is an account of my continuing experiences and YMMV. There are some listings without comments as I have not used said products yet as I?ve only been in wet shaving with a DE for a few months.. I?m currently working on finding the blades that work the best for me. I?m keeping the variables to a few razors and soaps/creams but mainly changing up the blades.

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Daily Tools<BR>
Fatboy/40's SuperSpeed <BR>
Boreal 976 Brush<BR>
soap/creams/both and vary<BR>
witch hazel/Aqua Velva/Nivea/CO Bigelow

Merkur HD ? Nice razor with heft and grip. It?s aggressive but fairly smooth with the right blades yet harsher with same blades then the 40?s SS for me. Detractor is head made from pot metal so probably won?t last like vintage Gillette?s but is fair value if you want a new razor.<BR><BR>

2x 40's SuperSpeed ? Great shavers and by far best for a starter. If I could only have one razor it?d be this or a Fatboy. Smooth shaver with the right blade and easy to maneuver on face. Steady use goes to SS or Fatboy. It never disappoints and is just overall a really nice shaver.<BR><BR>

59 Fatboy aka Everett ? Great shaver especially since you can dial in your shave. Cuts hairs easily and great grip since heft and size. I really like shaving with it so far. Only draw back is getting close under nose and crevices since larger head but can do well once you get the hang of it. <BR><BR>
60/70?s SuperSpeed - <BR><BR>
Slim - <BR><BR>

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VDH Boar - cheap but dependable, works ok but is pretty scratchy on the face till broken in after about 2 weeks of use then it softens but splays out a good bit. This is never a bad cheapo to get a taste of wet shaving but you will definitely want a nicer brush in most cases even it if is only a $20 boar upgrade.<BR>

Boreal 976 - nice with stiff backbone and after breaking in a few runs it lathers well. It needs more product then VDH but is very much more dense and produces a large amount of lather faster. It is by no means a luxury brush but it really fulfills its purpose. On a budget this is a must. The tips brush across the face in a scrubby bit but not scratchy. There does feel like a hard rubber spot at the base of the handle. It does not have any negative impact as far as I can tell but may help the backbone.<BR>

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Merkur - #used = 2, Rough shave with lots of nicks/weepers, made me not sure I could stick with this (used in HD)<BR>
Crystal Platinums - #used = 4+, Nice smooth shaving, hard to get some hairs along jawline (used in HD, 40's SS, Fatboy)<BR>
Derby Extra - #used = 1, Shaved fairly ok but had a few more weepers then I'd like, I really need to revisit this blade (used in HD)<BR>
Red Pack Personna's - #used = 1, Farily rough shave. Not sure if related to rough go previously but will revisit with 40's SS or Fatboy (Used in HD)<BR>
Feather - #used = 1, Cut 2-3 day stubble well but ripped up the face. Will tray again in Fatboy or other. (used in 40's SS)<BR>
Astra - #used = 1, 1 shave and it was similar to the smoothness from the Crystal Platinum, definately will try for few days (Used in Fatboy)<BR>
Walmart Personna - #used = 1 shave, A little rough but got a pretty good shave, def will get some more when I rotate to it again (used in 40 SS)<BR>
Gillette Yellow - #used =1, Early shaves were a little hard on face but still less then the feathers. Few shaves in and using better lather got 2 great shaves on #5 in Fatboy<BR>


<BR>Not Tested Yet<BR>
Sharp -<BR>
Gillette Green -#used = 1, Just loaded up today will be testing today or tomorrow (Used in Fatboy #6)<BR>
Gillette Black - #used = 0<BR>
Treet - #used = 0 <BR>
Supermax- #used = 0<BR>

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Williams Mug ? Finicky to lather, you either love or hate it. I like the scent and can get a decent lather from it. For <$2 a puck not bad to mess with. Really enjoyed with CO as superlather.<BR><BR>

VDH ? Great beginner soap or travel since in resealable container and could lose without being hard to replace. Consistent lather that?s easy to get once you figure it out. Good value for money. Even with these features I generally pick others for scent above it.<BR><BR>

Mama Bear ? 1st soap other then VDH/Williams, shipped fast to me in nice container that is usable for travel/reuse (lidded) and price is very reasonable. Lather is slick and easy to whip up. Really enjoyed the shave. Aged Spice is a great scent. Waiting on more samples on the way.<BR><BR>

Susie?s Bubbles N Squeak ? Ordered 3, Eucalyptus is a bit strong till lathered but worked well (olive oil base). Sage and citrus the scent is nice but I just don't feel the lather is up to par (goatsmilk base). The goats milk just didn't seem as coushening or slick. I prefer olive oil or Shea base though ymmv. The Sandalwood Rose is a Favorite in my rotation and the lather is very smooth and provides the best shave yet of my 3 from Susie (shea base).<BR><BR>

C.O. Bigalow ? A cream that provides a great shave. Enjoy the scent and cooling feel , just keep it off your lips or you may feel a little chapped. Really like this for the price/availability at Bath and Body Works and is great for superlather depending on soap scent. Can mix with Williams for a nice combo. Even mixed in small quantity with Mama Bears Aged Spice and it was a treat.<BR><BR>

Taylor of Old Bond Street ? On order from westcoastshaving Rose scent.<BR><BR>
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Ogallala - Bay Rum & Sandalwood Shaving Soap On order from westcoastshaving

Maher<BR>
hypo_style<BR>
<BR>

Westcoastshaving.com Fast shipping and smooth order/confirm/shipped. Takes Paypal<BR>
MamaBear ? really fast shipping and smooth transaction. Takes Paypal <BR>
Susie?s ? Shipping was slower then I?d hoped (kid on xmas syndrome doesn?t help) but reasonable price and not overcharged for shipping. Good transaction, Takes Paypal. <BR>
Shoeboxshaving.com ? Really fast shipping and included 2 blades as a freebie sample. Takes Paypal<BR>