04-04-2017, 06:51 AM
May I ask a question?
I am looking at getting set up on my first wet shaving experience...
I am leaning towards the following:
- Merkur 34C DE razor
- Sterling soap
- Astra SS blades
- Brush? Leaning towards the Semogue 830 but not sure that is the best beginner brush.
If anyone has any suggestions on any of the items listed above I would love to get them.
Thanks!
I am looking at getting set up on my first wet shaving experience...
I am leaning towards the following:
- Merkur 34C DE razor
- Sterling soap
- Astra SS blades
- Brush? Leaning towards the Semogue 830 but not sure that is the best beginner brush.
If anyone has any suggestions on any of the items listed above I would love to get them.
Thanks!
04-04-2017, 07:29 AM
Welcome to the Forum!
The Merkur 34c is a solid razor. Paired with the Astra blade you can get dialed in and establish technique. I would suggest a simple synthetic brush and a tried and true soap like Taylor of Old Bond Street's.
Keep it simple and focus on the mechanics.
Good Luck! Let us know how your doing.
The Merkur 34c is a solid razor. Paired with the Astra blade you can get dialed in and establish technique. I would suggest a simple synthetic brush and a tried and true soap like Taylor of Old Bond Street's.
Keep it simple and focus on the mechanics.
Good Luck! Let us know how your doing.
04-04-2017, 01:09 PM
(04-04-2017, 07:29 AM)eengler Wrote: Welcome to the Forum!
The Merkur 34c is a solid razor. Paired with the Astra blade you can get dialed in and establish technique. I would suggest a simple synthetic brush and a tried and true soap like Taylor of Old Bond Street's.
Keep it simple and focus on the mechanics.
Good Luck! Let us know how your doing.
Welcome and +1 to the above! Boars can be an acquired taste as they can take a while to break in -- I started that way but some may get frustrated. Synthetics are inexpensive and a good way to get started.
04-04-2017, 01:27 PM
Welcome to TSN 
I think all of your selections sounds good.
For a brush I think you should go for whatever your wallet allows.
You can get some good but inexpensive synthetics from f.ex. Stirling or RazoRock, but you could also go for badger (it is after all the classic..).
I dont think a badger brush, regardless of hair type (best, super, silvertip etc..), will be more unfriendly to a beginner, but the higher the quality, the higher the price.
Best of luck to you!

I think all of your selections sounds good.
For a brush I think you should go for whatever your wallet allows.
You can get some good but inexpensive synthetics from f.ex. Stirling or RazoRock, but you could also go for badger (it is after all the classic..).
I dont think a badger brush, regardless of hair type (best, super, silvertip etc..), will be more unfriendly to a beginner, but the higher the quality, the higher the price.
Best of luck to you!
04-04-2017, 06:39 PM
Welcome to TSN. There are a lot of ways to start in this great hobby. The Merkur 34 is a solid, classic razor and an excellent choice. Astra blades are also an excellent choice for your first blade. I suggest starting with one of the less expensive creams, because they're generally easier to lather than soaps. You can eventually move on to soaps. I also suggest a synthetic brush. They are easier to create lather with and there are many good ones available at modest prices. You can stay with synthetics forever or, later on, try boar, badger and horse hair brushes.
04-11-2017, 03:57 PM
Welcome! Sounds like you're making good choices. I'd agree that a synthetic or badger (I prefer badger myself) might be best at this stage. As noted, boars can take a while to get broken in, and you've got other things you need to focus on as a beginner instead of braking in a brush.
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