• Domain Change - We have moved to https://paste-and-cut.com as our new domain.

    If you are using shortcuts or bookmarks for the old paste-and-cut.com.au domain, you need to update these or they will cease working from the 25th January, 2025. Please check the notice post for more details on this change to the forum.

Newbie from Melbourne

Hi All,

I recently started on a DE razor - actually my first ever DE shave was this Saturday. What better way to spend the long weekend than practice?!

My dad has always used safety razors but I was living away from home when I started shaving (I didn't have facial hair until uni). So I didn't have a chance to learn from my dad and have been a lifelong Gillette cartridge user - first with a sensor excel and then a fusion.

I am starting out with a Yaqi mellon razor. For now, I am sticking to my Gillette foam gel until I finish it but will switch to a shaving cream soon.

My first few shaves have been ok i.e. I didn't have blood gushing out everywhere. I have been a tad over-cautious with the shaves until I learn proper technique. I don't think my angles are quite right yet and I will have to work up to two passes at least. There are a few difficult spots - under the nose and the chin are particularly vexing. There is still some razor burn and a few nicks during every shave but I will keep practicing.

Edit: Forgot to add that I am using Astra Green atm.
 
Welcome to P&C @r4nd0mbr1ck . Lots of info to be found here.
 
Welcome to the forums @r4nd0mbr1ck
You will go up a level in performance once you get a cream or soap. Is there anything that you have your eye on yet? Let us know if you want recommendations on where to buy.
 
Hi @tim33z - still doing my research on cream/soap. I am leaning towards cream as it sounds easier to start with. Maybe just go the usual route of starting with proraso and working my way up?

I am on a waste reduction drive so I won't be stocking up on creams/soaps. It will have to be one or two at a time.
 
I am on a waste reduction drive so I won't be stocking up on creams/soaps. It will have to be one or two at a time.
Said every one of us here....

Yeah start with some Proraso or Taylor of Old Bond Street. Experiment and learn what works for you.
You got a brush?
 
Welcome mate. Pm me your address and I'll stock you up with some different blades from a fellow Melbournian. 👍

Proraso is a good place to start at a decent price point.
 
@Chad Thanks for the awesome offer. PMing you.

Any good physical stores that stock proraso? From my brief search it looks like shaver shop may have a few variants.
Also what's a good Proraso to start with? I have mildly sensitive skin but rather coarse hair
 
@Chad Thanks for the awesome offer. PMing you.

Any good physical stores that stock proraso? From my brief search it looks like shaver shop may have a few variants.
Also what's a good Proraso to start with? I have mildly sensitive skin but rather coarse hair


Good afternoon @r4nd0mbr1ck.
Shaving is so subjective, what works for one may not work for another. I agree Proraso is a good readily available soap. I started with the white but settled on the green, I found it slick, good protection and love the scent, still use it regularly.
Blades also can make a huge difference to your shaving experience. I would recommend heading to the next Melbourne meet. I am sure the Melbourne blokes will be happy to pass on some freebies to get you started.

Cheers
N
 
Welcome @r4nd0mbr1ck
It is still waste reduction if the soaps are still being used, and when they are done, keep the container and buy refill pucks of more soaps. OK I will be quite now as I'm starting to sound a bit mad hatterish.
 
Hi @r4nd0mbr1ck

As a fellow Melbournite welcome to forums.

I'm gonna disagree with some of the others on the Proraso recommendation. I started out with a tub of the green and (especially if you're only going to have 1-2 open at a time) working through it was extremely tedious.

I'd go for a high quality soap from the outset, you'll enjoy your shaves that much more. As always YMMV
 
Hi @tim33z - still doing my research on cream/soap. I am leaning towards cream as it sounds easier to start with. Maybe just go the usual route of starting with proraso and working my way up?

I am on a waste reduction drive so I won't be stocking up on creams/soaps. It will have to be one or two at a time.
For shaving cream I recommend TOBS Jermyn St as a good starting point. Easy to load and very slick. For a guide on how to get the right angle, you might find this video helpful.
 
Back
Top