FIRST SHAVE!

Well, I just completed my first shave the "old fashioned" way. It was... interesting! There's definitely a lot more that goes into it than just slapping on Gillette Foamy and grabbing your Mach 5. Here's the details:

Equipment:
Edwin Jagger DE86 razor
Astra Superior Platinum blade
Edwin Jagger Black Badger brush
TOBS Avocado Shave Cream
Thayers Witch Hazel w/Aloe
Burt's Bees Aftershave
Ogallala Bay Rum & Sandalwood Aftershave

I will say that I'm proud of myself! haha Sort of... I didn't nick myself once, which is probably pretty good for a first-timer. I can feel a couple hot spots indicating that I did cut a bit too close a couple times. My neck is still pretty bristly - but no more than using a Mach 5 or similar.

I used *way* too much shave cream. Built up a ton of lather - far more than I needed. Still, better too much than too little. Still, I'll have to throttle back and be more careful next time I'm getting it on the brush. Perhaps I should go to measuring it (almond size dab) until I'm more familiar with how much goes how far.

Following the shave, I used a cold, wet towel to "close the pores" then applied the witch hazel. After letting it dry for a few moments, I slathered myself nicely with the Burt's Bees, followed by a splash of the Ogallala Bay Rum. I would have to agree that it's more invigorating than my standard shave, and I suppose I do feel slightly pampered. But, I'm not one of the "OH MY GOSH" converts yet. Still, the results were as good as any that I got with the standard stuff, and in the long run it'll be cheaper, so count me in. Hopefully as time goes by it'll get better and I'll enjoy it more as I get more comfortable with the procedure. Still... Success!