I started by reading a lot of information on the wet shave, as you probably are doing right now. I also read so many reviews and forums on products it would probably drive a normal person to insanity. I’m hoping that you found this post before that has happened. Getting started if you haven’t found it yet leisureguy has written an amazing post with a lot of beginner information. For reviews and a forum check out http://badgerandblade.com/ (B&B) although I have to assume you’ve found that already, it’s the first google result for wet shave.
I purchased everything from http://www.bullgooseshaving.net/ and couldn’t be happier, they had the best prices and the best selection of blade sampler packs. Everything I read on the internet pointed me to buy a sampler pack of blades. This is the best way to test them all and make sure to pick the right one for you. I’m new to wet shaving so I can’t tell you if this is bullshit or not but it seems everyone has their brand.
First you need a razor, this is an easy choice, the Merkur 34C (HD) is the standard for beginners. Next I went with Taylor avocado shaving cream, you can check the reviews on B&B but people love the smell and the way it feels on their face. This also goes for the Proraso dopobarba aftershave balm, I choose this because it doesn’t have alcohol and I wanted something to moisturize my face. The brush is also very important and while the price can become astronomical I went with the Edwin Jagger best badger brush because the general consensus is real badger hair is important. I picked the medium size, I didn’t want to break the bank just yet but I also wanted something decent. For the blades just pick a sampler pack that suites you; the MVP pack had all the ones I wanted to try and, of course, I suggest that one.
That’s the bare minimum to get started wet shaving. Sure there are a lot of different products to try and everyone seems to have an opinion about something. You can pick up a stand if you want and a shaving cup if you need one. The good news is you really can’t go wrong if you stick with the Merkur HD. Don’t get too wrapped up picking out products but I hope my list helps you. I tried to pick great items for beginners that had the most positive reviews. Look for a future post about my first time using them all.
