06.28.2024- I’ve saved so much money switching to wetshaving…or something like that.
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Prep: Shower
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Razor: Gillette Flat Bottom Tech
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Blade: Astra Superior Platinum
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Brush: Omega 10049
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Lather: Stirling - Island Man - Soap
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Post: Stirling - Island Man - Splash
My first foray into wetshaving was a Van Der Hagen razor set I bought at Target. I tried the soap, tore my face to shit because I sucked at lathering and went back to goop. Eventually that razor broke and rather than buying a new one I returned to cartridges. I hated shaving and would put it off at all costs. Flash forward to the pandemic and being at home was an opportunity to just not shave to the chagrin of my wife. While cleaning out my medicine cabinet I found that shitty busted DE and decided to try it again. If I have to shave I might as well make it an experience.
Upon researching, WCS flashy site caught my attention and I picked up a few things, a Merkur 33C, Silvertip badger brush, some Feather blades because Uncle Geo said they’re the best, and some soaps and creams. I tried the soaps and no surprise my lathering sucked so I stuck with the Proraso and TOBS.
Determined to get the soap to lather I decided to research and found this place. I lurked and read and learned and also bought a WCS synthetic since they are less finicky. Upon successfully lathering the WCS ~~dickfart~~ duckfat soap I was blown away my the superiority to what I was using. I proceeded to test the waters with some other brands, Barrister and Mann and A&E. That was the beginning of the end of my demise into “saving money” and just headfirst down the rabbit hole.
As someone who has over 100 sets and more razors, blades and brushes that any rational person should own. I leave this piece of advice to anyone new to the sub or hobby. “Don’t do what I did.” I am not a rational person and there is no reason for a collection of shaving soaps. Which is what brings me to this shave and why for frugality purposes it is all a person should need.
First off, let’s start with the razor. The Tech has been around since the 1930’s and revolutionized the way Gillette made safety razors. It was given to every American soldier in WWII and if it was good enough for them it’s good enough for me. The experience can be tailored by switching the blade, me personally like something sharp like a Feather but for frugality purposes the Astras are cheaper and good enough. These are great for someone starting out because a decent one can be had in eBay for not much money. Omega brushes are under appreciated and shunned my many due to their inexpensive price point. This one was $10 off Amazon. It was scrubby at first but once those tips start splitting it softens up and is as nice as other boar brushes. Breaking it in and seeing how it changes is part of the experience and fun. LASTLY, the soap…I shunned Stirling at first because of the price. I assumed it wasn’t as good as other brands because of the cost. Well wasn’t I wrong. Stirling is a helluva deal with the cost per ounce being $2.45 for the huge 5.8oz pour. Is it even possible to kill a tub?! Even the samples are generous and capable of many shaves. Rods soap base is nothing fancy but is a reliable daily driver that lathers easily. As far as scents are concerned the selection is endless and a person could be quite content for some time before using another brand.
So make the financially sound decision of buying a vintage Tech, a boar brush, and some Stirling soap samples and give yourself a frugal but damn fine shave.