New To Traditional Wet Shaving?

Pre: Hot Shower
Soap: Arko
Razor: Merkur 34C
Blade: Astra Green (1)
Brush: Razorock Plissoft
Post: Thayers Cucumber Witch Hazel
A/S: Old Spice
Balm: Vaseline Aloe Soothe
Merkur 34C HD Razor - bit.ly/2Wc7xle
Arko Soap - amzn.to/2W6JwMx
Astra Green Blades - bit.ly/2W8qNA0
RazoRock Plissoft - bit.ly/2WaXInJ
Old Spice - bit.ly/2Wae4Nd
Vaseline Aloe Soothe - bit.ly/2Wc87zq
Kevy Shaves on Instagram - / kevyshaves

[@roymarples4234]

I just want to take moment to thank Kevy for introducing me to this wonderful world! I started on Merkur 34c + Astra SP + Arko + Proraso pre and post. Kept cutting myself to shreds as a noobie, but also slowly improved. Went for a DE89 and Persona Platinum, but the blades didn't agree at all - was not smooth, but equally no nicks or blood - but had to work it a lot harder to even get close on the 3rd pass. Back on the Astra SP's and the DE89 is a very smooth shave but it's not as enjoyable or as close as it's slightly less aggressive. I still nicked myself a fair bit, but then introcuced an alum block and finally witchhazel into the mix and it visibly improved. Then I see this video and I whip out the Merkur 34c again to go back with my original combo and the shave is so smooth and I don't nick myself anymore - last 3 shaves, nothing visible after them post shave finish! It's taken 3 months to get to this stage but the end result is just mind blowing compared to how I shaved previously! It's no longer a chore I skip when I can because every product thus far (various cartridge, various electric) gives me so much irritation, it's a now fullfilling every day experience DE shaving!

[@kevyshaves4109]

Thanks Roy. Comments like this are always brilliant for me to read as well as being very useful for others just starting out or thinking about making the switch to DE shaving. It does take a little bit of time to find what works well for you and it can be a little frustrating, but your comment shows that if you stick with it, try some different blades in a couple of razors, the rewards are brilliant. I've pinned your comment to the top of the comments for anyone to read first. Cheers. Kevy 😀

[@nicknewey6152]

Firstly, another great video Kevy. Thanks Roy too for your comment because I've wet shaved for years but never got into DE razors, but now I've watched this video and read your comment, I'm going to invest in a Mercur and give it a go. Great stuff guys!

[@spyglass3978]

How many times i can use the Astra sp?

[@northofenglandoutdoors6557]

@@spyglass3978 I don't do more than three but it does depend on your individual characteristics.... just keep going until it's bad... go one down and that's your number

[@baratrion]

The smell of Arko had never been divisive among us, Turks, as we've been used to it for decades. It's the defacto Barber shop smell, if not the grandpa smell brings back memories :)

[@imransuhaimi3522]

I know right? It doesn't smell as bad as people said. I was afraid to try it the first time i bought it, then after i use it, it just have a clean scent, u know, like how a soap supposed to smells like.

[@calthemann]

Hi Kevy. Please allow me to pass on to your viewers a few tips I have learned for achieving a luxury shave. (Please excuse if you've heard it all before.) Not everyone has a shower before shaving, so it's a good idea to imitate the barbershop hot towel preshave by holding a wet, but not-too-hot face cloth against your whiskers until it feels 'done'. US residents may wish to investigate the Beard Blanket, which claims to do the same job without having to hold things in place. Once the lather is applied, don't start shaving immediately. Leave it for a while. This will soften up the whiskers even more. I've seen some barbers combine these two steps by applying the lather first, then the hot towel, and leaving it to work. For the final cold water rinse before drying off, try using some cheap supermarket spring water which has been kept in the fridge. Hope someone finds this useful.

[@kevyshaves4109]

Some great tips. Thanks 👍

[@paulcharlesworth809]

For me when I first started wet shaving over 45 years ago,I thought what a pain in the arse it was, the thing on my mind in those days was not on shaving lol,now I'm in my 60s I find spending time with a good brush and soap and a good razor I enjoy what I missed then, but I must say I have some great memories of my youth and shaving was not on the list, god I feel old, anyway all the best mate.

[@johnflynn4923]

I think you would enjoy 'The Abundance of Less' by Andrew Couturier. Not about shaving but getting the most enjoyment from the simple things in life.

[@kevyshaves4109]

@@johnflynn4923 sounds good 👍

[@kevyshaves4109]

Nice one Paul. Getting old can be good fun too! Cheers. Kevy 👍😀

[@Listermintsluesh]

I never did the wet shave thing except for knowing my dad had a razor and an old brush or two. Along with the old spice lol. Now I've rediscovered this way I love it and shaving become a pleasure.

[@glennt.8446]

The sent of ARKO always reminds me of the sent of the old white floating 99/100% IVORY soap bars,,,, I my self love the smell of Arko !!

[@markferguson3365]

I started with a Van Der Hagen cheap Chinese razor just because I was tired of paying so much to get the best cartridge razors trying to get a good shave. After using that Chinese razor for two years, and getting terriable shaves I found my first wet shaving video. I learned the proper techniques and reasonably priced good products and achieved my first BBS. You did something important here Kevy! KZbin wet shavers should all update their beginners guide videos more often. You educate more men on the benefits and techniques, thus bringing more men into the community. This helps sustain the community and spurs more innovation and even keeps prices down. GREAT idea Kevy!!!

[@kevyshaves4109]

Thanks Mark. Good to hear you eventually found some decent gear and now you're getting good shaves. All the best. Kevy 😊

[@PJP812]

people can say what they want about Arko soaps re scent etc but theres no denying it makes a fantastic lather

[@chris34668]

I would strongly recommend the Edwin Jagger DE89 for a starter. It gives very comfortable shaves. And it's hard to find a blade that doesn't do well with it.

[@MrAO1988]

Not just for beginners! I have recently reduced my collection down to 2 and got rid of my Gillette Slim and Merkur Futur in preference of my DE89 i have been DE shaving since 2017! Love my EJDE89L

[@nicknewey6152]

I enjoy watching your shaving videos because you are very informative on products and technique and because you're British, you are relatable. It's not that I don't like the American guys videos, but you could literally be doing this next door. Keep up the good work!

[@mannyvaldez7136]

I know what you mean about shaving against the grain, Kevy. I tried it twice but it was a not so pleasant feeling. It did not hurt but it was kind of like a tingly feeling because I could feel the hairs being pushed up into the tissue. It gave me the kind of unpleasant feeling like when you scratch your nails against the chalk board or like when you hit your funny bone. Never could get used to those sensations. I definitely understand about buying a lot of shaving supplies. As I mentioned to Michael Freedberg, last time I bought supplies was at the 2018 spring meetup at Pasteurs. I intentionally did not go to the 2019 spring meetup because I know that I will end up buying more soaps, blades, and aftershaves. As we all say, it's like being a kid in a candy store. About this time last year I took an inventory of my supplies. I guestimated that I had about 8-9 years of blades left, 7-8 years of aftershaves, and 8-10 years of creams/soaps/sticks. I found a few more soaps so now I have to revise it to 11-12 years of soap/cream/stick supply. I guess you can't expect me to go to Pasteurs and not buy more stuff when the other kids are stuffing their baskets with more candy. 😹😹😹 maybe I will go one or two years before I buy more stuff.

[@kevyshaves4109]

Ha ha! 😂 That comment made me laugh Manny! I think I'm in the same boat as you...maybe even worse. If I'm in NYC and we hook up at Pasteurs, I'll put you in a straight jacket so you dont buy anything. Lol! Cheers. Kevy 👍

[@mannyvaldez7136]

You, Paulh, And Joe from Queens must have 10 lifetime’s of shaving supply. Not sure about Michael Freedberg since I did not see his shave den and his supplies. 😅😂🤣

[@r7eagle_]

My first razor was the De89 and I used Arko soap. The brush was a boar hair brush and I still use that brush today. I like Arko because it has talow as part of the ingredients. It really makes the skin slippery. The blade I used was a Persona Red which I really like.

[@jamesgentry6864]

I got a vanderhagen razor with their blades, a brv badger brush, and proraso red soap. That's what I started with I use a Rockwell now! Thanks for your videos!

[@kevyshaves4109]

Good stuff James 👍

[@joyghosh5655]

Great shave Kevy don't Mrs Kevy complain about your shaving stuff my mom always say you don't need that much but me and my dad always tries to manage her

[@kevyshaves4109]

Thanks Joy. Mrs. Kevy never complains. I guess there are lot worse things I could spending money on. Cheers. Kevy 👍

[@alexdeleon7135]

Bravo for this episode! I usually tend to skip "how to" videos, but this was well structured. It is a proper, non-intimidating, invitation to the ever burgeoning world of wet shaving. I started with my father's old Gillette Red Tip. It was too aggressive as a starter DE razor, but I was guilty of applying undue pressure from my cartridge days. I got a tub of Jack Black cream, and began watching this Scot named Kevy. I then bought a DE89 with the 3D laser-diamond handle. I got better control, and was off and running with full three passers.The lather achieved with the Arko puck was uniquely done! The lemon scent doesn't bother me either. It isn't a dominating fragrance, and can be masked if desired. Te only thing I'd add in regard to the newcomer of wet shaving is how to map their growth. Other than that, it is outstanding. Thank you once again for being gracious enough to those who approach you with inquiry about the basics. As always, give my regards to your Mrs., and Riley.

[@kevyshaves4109]

Thanks Alex. I think I need to update the face mapping video. I have a few more subscribers since then. I hope you've had a fantastic birthday week so far and are looking forward to the weekend. All the best mate. Kevy 👍😀

[@robertpapps5383]

Back to basics, I love it. splash some hot water on my face, work up the Proraso in a shaving bowl with a rather tired old brush, slop the lather on my face and go after the beard with my 34c.

[@kevyshaves4109]

Sounds perfect Robert 👍

[@Enamm82]

In my collection I'm using at the moment. 🔹️ MERKUR 38C BARBER POLE RAZOR 🔹️ MUHLE RYTMO SET, CLOSED COMB RAZOR AND SILVER TIP SYNTHETIC BRUSH 🔹️ MEN-U PREMIER SYNTHETIC BRUSH 🔹️ MUHLE sandalwood shaving cream 🔹️ MUHLE sandalwood aftershave lotion 🔹️ MUHLE face cream 🔹️ MUHLE shaving blades 🔹️ PRORASO pre shave 🔹️ OSMA alum bloc These are my go to kit but also have few products from, JACK BLACK, BAXTER OF CALIFORNIA AND MURDOCK LONDON. Trying to cut it down to just 1 of each products and not to overwhelm myself with shaving products as it's so tempting to keep buying. Absolutely LOVE IT the whole wet shaving and the products have done wonders on my skin..

[@kevyshaves4109]

That's some great things you have there already Mohammed. Just enjoy it. Cheers. Kevy

[@CChallinor]

I am not sure I'd recommend it as a first try, but my first DE shave was with my grandfathers equipment that had laid in the cupboard since his passing some 40 years earlier, Slimtwist, Persona blade, Superdrug brush, and Palmolive stick...went surprisingly well...

[@kevyshaves4109]

Nice one. Theres a reason those things still work well after all these years. Thanks for sharing. Your Grandfather would be proud, I'm sure. Kevy 😀

[@josheyres4641]

I started shaving this way about 5 years ago. I stupidly asked for a Muhle R41 open comb as I used a Yuma in Turkey. I learnt the hard way 😂 I now also own an Edwin Jagger DE89, Wilkinson sword classic, and Merkur Futur . Keep up the great shaves Kevy!

[@thesaskshaver]

Great video Kevy My first set up was Midnight and Two The Cabin soap, Wilkinson Sword boar brush, Merkur 33C and Nivea Sensitive Skin balm. For people starting out, I'd suggest either a Merkur 34C or DE89 for a razor, for the soap I'd look at Amici from RazoRock, a Synthetic brush, an balm and an Alum block. Another easy option for a new shaver would be one of the kits PAA has released.

[@kevyshaves4109]

Good advice 👍😀

[@TallysVids]

Super useful video Kevy. My first setup was: Edwin Jagger DE89 (paired with a Feather blade on my first ever DE shave, bad idea) price around £20 Proraso Green soap (around £5) Semogue 1438 Boar Hair Shaving Brush (around £10) Nice cheap setup for anyone on a budget, which will suit you for years and years to come (unless you fall into that dam rabbit hole)

[@roadmasterk6019]

The new Wilkinson Sword classic set is a great way to start in my opinion. A nice mild razor of good quality for the money. The Wilkinson boar brush is still my goto. Their soap can be a bit difficult to lather well for a beginner, but buy a tube of Palmolive cream and away you go!

[@kevyshaves4109]

The Palmolive cream is excellent. Kevy 😀👍

[@toddf9321]

Good evening Kevy! It is so nice of you to update/review the beginning in wet shaving video. You certainly know how to make that Arko soap lather up. Honestly, I don't know what razor I would recommend to a beginner...I do know the vintage Gillette Blue Tip Super Speed and the Schick Krona are two that are mild yet effective. Modern...perhaps the EJ DE89. All these are great in their shaving manners yet don't make a bloody mess of the face. I wonder if the UK version of Old Spice smells like the Indian version? I could collect a bottle of it if it smells nice. Love the glass bottles. Again, thank you for reviewing the basics. Take care.

[@kevyshaves4109]

Hi Todd. The choice is awesome for wetshavers just now. Yes, you should get some UK Old Spice, it has a slightly different scent than the US version. Kevy 👍

[@mickallen9874]

Hi Kevy I started with a cheap Haryali three piece razor , that was the beginning of this year. I now have 12 razors ten brushes and ten soaps. I truly fell down the rabbit hole. But I absolutely love my new hobby and would never go back. My go to razor is my Jagger DE89. But I rotate them all ,and enjoy them all and my Haryali which cost about £ 15 gives a great shave. I have even started to dream about shaving . Excuse me the men in white coats have arrived ,the are coming to take me away haha hehe . You older guys may get the reference to that 60's song . Kevy your too young. Great video again.

[@kevyshaves4109]

Brilliant Mick. Good to hear you've fallen down the rabbit hole too 😂 Yes, you're right, I'm far to young to remember that song..ha ha ha! Cheers mate. All the best. Kevy 😀👍

[@mickallen9874]

@@kevyshaves4109 Thanks Kevy keep making the videos you are the only thing between me and the men in white. If I don't get my Kevy fix I start climbing the walls. Hahahaha 😊

[@kevyshaves4109]

Cheers Mick. There'll be another one along very shortly. Kevy 😀👍

[@deshave5260]

Hi Kevy. Great vid, as always. I've been thinking about buying some Arko soap. I've read many reviews about the pros and cons and it seems to be like the Marmite of shaving soaps; you either love it, or hate it. I've heard the same thing said about TABAC too but I absolutely adore the smell and so does my wife. I came here to get a definitive answer about Arko, so thanks for putting my mind at rest. I am going to order some straight away. Thanks, mate!

[@kevyshaves4109]

Thanks. The shaving community is split on Arko, but it's really only down to the scent. As far as performance goes, it's a great soap. It's not expensive so if you find you don't like it, you've not spent too much money on it. Cheers. Kevy 👍😀

[@deshave5260]

@@kevyshaves4109 I've ordered some and am looking forward to trying it. I've put up with the Vie Long pong, so a bit of Arko should be a doddle! Thanks for the reply, mate.

[@richardtorres6317]

I would also suggest that they map there face so they know the direction of the growth

[@niznikb]

Yeah, that's a good advice. I think that it's a common misconception that a 3-pass shave means "straight down, then horizontally, then straight up". At least that was my idea when I started. In reality no one's hair grow that way. Sure - you may get away with it on the cheeks or the chin, but there will always be some spots (usually on the neck) where your hair makes a sharp 90 or even 180 degree turn and a simple, straight stroke goes from WTG to ATG without notice. But it takes some trial and error to really "map your face" and can be frustrating to new wetshavers.

[@kevyshaves4109]

Great advice. 👍

[@mobilepsycho]

One thing I appreciate is how the post shave can involve several steps. It used to be that at the end I thought of using a balm and then fragrance it up with an eau de parfum or cologne. I really like how Kevy uses the remaining shave cream or soap to start the post shave process with a wash. I guess I would have been tempted to then go balm and follow up with a splash or after shave. Seems it should be after shave and then finish it off with a balm. I am slightly concerned with competing fragrances, in particular if your pre shave, shaving soap, after shave, and balm don't really correlate or match.

[@blackphantom99]

Great shave Kevy, perfect beginner setup mate. I would throw the Rockwell 2C in aswell with the 1/3 plate. Have a great end of week buddy ☺️👍

[@kevyshaves4109]

That would be another good choice Will. Kevy 👍

[@iamskinz1990]

Can get an EJ DE89 for about £15 with 5 blades and an Omega boar brush with a pot of Arko for about £9.99, all from Amazon UK which is a pretty good place to start I would say!

[@jasonwright7585]

Wow just watched this video and was recommended the very first shave you did on KZbin. What a difference the years have made! I've only been wet shaving for 2 weeks now and am slowly getting better. Have the Van Der Hagen tto and a qshave adjustable. So far have used Van Der Hagen blades, qshave blades, Personna platinum, Shark and Astra greens. The Astras are by far the best performance for me. Keep up the wonderful content and hopefully I'll be shaving as fast as that without cutting myself to pieces soon 🤣🤣.

[@kevyshaves4109]

Thanks Jason. You're doing the right thing trying out lots of different blades. Enjoy your shaves and have fun. Cheers. Kevy 👍

[@JimG7755]

The Edwin Jagger DE89 is a great mild razor. A good shave soap would be Derby shave stick and some good blades would be Wilkinson Saloon pack. After shave would be Skin Bracer.

[@ericmcclelland4776]

Hi Kevy. Just purchased the setup you were using in the vid. It's the business. DE is the way ahead. Great videos. Keep going.

[@kevyshaves4109]

Nice one Eric. Enjoy your shaves mate, take your time and have fun cheers. Kevy 😀

[@rajeshsweet194]

De89 type heads are best for beginners. Forgiving enough for clumsy hands.

[@buddcarcook4655]

rajeshsweet194 still use it in my rotation. Guaranteed great shave!

[@goldensteeltv8546]

Great shave. I've tried electric razors and that has worked out for me. So now I've dumped the cartridges for an electric razor and surprisingly there's no irritation and cuts from it so that's good. I'll stick with electric razors until the day I actually start wet shaving so it's only a matter of time before I join the club of wet shavers

[@kevyshaves4109]

Hopefully it wont be too long. Cheers. Kevy 😀👍

[@r7eagle_]

Trader!....lol

[@TurreTuntematon]

My first setup was green Proraso, Astra Greens, Muhle’s cheapest badger brush, and the Rex Ambassador. Since then I have realized that I like sharper blades like Polsilver, GSB, and Gillette Platinum. Also that Barrister & Mann is my absolute favourite soap 👍🏻 I probably have half of their soaps and the Seville is still my favorite 😊

[@kevyshaves4109]

Sounds good. I still need to get my hands on Seville. Cheers. Kevy 😀

[@jetblack4715]

Once you start wet shaving you are hooked on getting various stuff. You start to spend. But it's not always the case. A few years ago I gave my brother a Parker razor as a birthday present cause he would always have some irritation due to shaving with(overused) cartridge blades. He is gladly using it, but he sticks to the same canned foam, doesn't care about aftershave lotions and uses some generic cream as a moisturizer.

[@kevyshaves4109]

I sometimes wish I spent my money on just 1 razor, soap and brush! Lol 😂

[@matthewc4296]

My first step away from cartridge was the cheap Vanderhagen DE razor. I started as a way to save money. I switched to full on wet shaving a few months later. Purchased the 34C, DE89....and we were off...so much for saving money. But now I don't care, I shave because I enjoy all the different combinations I could use. Witch hazel has made a huge difference for my skin, who knew. I started watching some strange guy from Scotland as he started youtube, a guy from Wales where the water is cccoooolllld, one from Australia, and a few from here in the states and have enjoyed it ever since.

[@kevyshaves4109]

Thanks Mathew. Good to hear you're enjoying your shaves and supporting some great KZbin wetshavers. Cheers. Kevy 😀👍

[@stevensprague5478]

I started off with an Edwin Jagger de89. My brush was a semogue 1305. Blades I used was Astra green. Soap was Arko puck. That's what I used for the first two years of wet shaving. Then i found out about all the artisan stuff form KZbin. Down the rabbit hole I want.

[@kevyshaves4109]

Ha ha! Theres no getting out the rabbit hole now Steven! 😂 Kevy 👍

[@edwardjassin782]

Fantastic!!! Great job Kevy and I am ready to do my first wet shave!!! This video was the key to helping me choose for my first adventure.

[@kevyshaves4109]

Thanks Edward. Good luck with the first shave. Maybe you've done it. How did it go if you have? Kevy 👍

[@stellarpod]

I believe the Merkur 34C and Astra Green are probably the perfect razor/blade combination with which to start. I still use that duo frequently. I would, however, probably recommend a shave cream, such as Taylor of Old Bond Street, rather than a soap, as it is easier to get a proper lather - especially for a beginner. I've been wet shaving for less than a year, but I've progressed at a decent pace. My first razor was a single-blade Occam's Razor with Feather Pro blade. It shredded me early on, but as my technique has improved, I find it to be a great razor. I would NOT recommend it as a starter, though. Currently, I probably use a Rockwell 6s (set on 4) and the Astra Green blades more frequently than anything else. I almost always use Thayer's Witch Hazel, followed by an Osage Rub (love that hyper-menthol feel). Then I'll follow with whatever aftershave I choose for the day. Finally, I'll almost always finish with a Nivea Maximum Hydration Post-shave Balm. I think these types of videos are helpful and appreciate you doing one now and again. As always, thanks so much for sharing. Steve

[@kevyshaves4109]

Cheers Steve. My first shave was using a cream. I only went for Arko soap as it's so widely available to almost everyone worldwide. I suppose the Arko cream would work just as well. Actually, I have never tried Arko cream! Glad you've found things that work for you and it sound like you persevered and are now getting good shaves. Brilliant! Kevy 👍

[@MikeRaley]

What a great find Kevy. Browsing through these shave videos and come across this. Subscribed and will be watching many more. I am new to wet shaving and have a Weishi razor which I got off Amazon cheap because I didn't know if I could stay with it. I'm on a fixed budget and can't afford many of the items I see but if I have a chance to get something I want to see what's worth while. I picked up a Van Der Hagen brush and bowl set that had a puck of soap and some pre-shave oil also some Nivea after shave balm. So far not many nicks and very little irritation. I learn something new every video I watch. Keep up the good work.

[@kevyshaves4109]

Hey Mike. I enjoy hearing stories like yours. You don't need the latest, greatest shave gear. Just take your time, enjoy what you have and enjoy your shaves. Have a great weekend. All the best. Kevy 😀👍

[@stewartkee7837]

I'm 25 but have always shaved with a safety razor I was lucky that my father taught me when I was young can't remember the razor but I've always had a hard time with aggressive razors I personally use a progress and have the 34c and de89 and their great for me also have the Fatboy that's was my grandads then my dads now mine but I'm frightened to use it in case I break it lol. But would recommend to anyone that's traditional shaving is far better and more pleasurable than shaving u see today.

[@kevyshaves4109]

Nice comment Stewart. Kevy.

[@dave_dhannoo]

Yeah so true about the divide on Arko, I bought it recently as I was curious. For those on a budget, it's a an ideal soap, also lathers really well.

[@kevyshaves4109]

I agree 😀

[@TheKoladis1]

Honestly 34c and Astro greens were my first razor and blade. Proraso preshave is probably my best advise. Love and still love the preshave

[@kevyshaves4109]

Good call. I haven't used Proraso pre shave in a while. Thanks for the reminder. Kevy 😀👍

[@buddcarcook4655]

Gotta start somewhere right?My first de razor was a 1932 issue Canadian Gillett 3 piece. Wilkinson sword blade and Williams shave soap. A little painful but I preferred it to those 3-4 blade fiascos!

[@terrym1065]

Nicely done Kevy💈💈 Arko is a mainstay for me, not a fantastic scent but tolerable and the performance is very good for the cost. I grated two soap sticks and pressed into a ceramic soap bowl, works super👍 Can't go wrong with the 34C, smooth, efficient and affordable. Yeah, good presentation for shavers making the change to wet shaving. Great video and reviews again. Enjoy!

[@kevyshaves4109]

Cheers Terry. Appreciate you watching and commenting. All the best. Kevy 😊

[@obxguy1]

The Merkur 23C, Gillette Silver Blue Blades, Proraso Soap, & The brush you're using now.

[@Mark_Ocain]

Great choices there, Kev. from brush to razor to soap, all good choices for a cheap and cheerful beginners kit. Arko stick soap is the darling. of bargain, bang for buck soaps (even if it does smell a bit like a ‘trough lollie’ lol).

[@abefrohman1759]

Excellent shave Kevy 👍😎💈

[@kevyshaves4109]

Thank you abe 👍

[@MagboyCreations]

Using the puck on the face first works great.

[@kevyshaves4109]

Yes, it does. Cheers. Kevy 😀👍

[@bladeskull2482]

Very nice shave sir. My first setup was a Muhle R89, Muhle badger brush, Personna Platinum Blue blade, and Proraso Green.

[@kevyshaves4109]

Nice 👍

[@dexterne]

My go to kit is still very similar to this one. New wet shavers listen to Kevy! One point I wish was made crystal clear when I started: a year supply of the consumables in this shave is about $30US. The learning curve is pretty minimal, and your shaves will be DRAMATICALLY better quality and cheaper to boot. Also, map your beard growth and save yourself some frustration, your face is unique!

[@dexterne]

Btw my goto kit: Merkur 38c (long version of 34c), Astra Greens, Maggard Noir synthetic (very similar to Plissoft), many soaps but Caties Bubbles, TOBS, Captains Choice and Cella are faves. I have a Lanolin allergy so 1/2 of the soaps are off limits to me. Thayers and sometimes Alum for post. No aftershave for me, but Oregon water is at least as good as Scottish. Cheers!

[@kevyshaves4109]

Great advice Tim 👍

[@kevyshaves4109]

Nice setup Tim. Nothing is as good as Scottish water! 😂😀😉👍

[@jollyvictorian4083]

Great video Kevy. My very first DE razor was the Weishi; I got it on Amazon for just $12. My "beginner's" shave cream was an Arko 3-tube set. No regrets yet! 😁💈

[@northofenglandoutdoors6557]

I started (not too long ago) with a King C Gillette razor and the blades they came with. Wilkinson sword soap and brush from Tesco. Nivea balm

[@kevyshaves4109]

Good stuff 👍

[@northofenglandoutdoors6557]

@@kevyshaves4109 Yeah but then got and Edwin Jagger Kelvin, Yaqi 26mm timber wolf brush, a boat load of soap and just taken delivery of a Rockwell 6c gunmetal.... Not looking goo is it? I've fallen into the abyss!!

[@kevyshaves4109]

@@northofenglandoutdoors6557 😂

[@benos036]

My first wet shaving supplies were the Merkur 34C (still a great razor), Proraso green (still LOVE the scent of that cream), Captain's Choice bowl, and a Parker "Extra Dense" best badger brush (one of the best backbones I've encountered). My go-to blades then and maybe still now (though I've branched out to others) are the Shark Super Chromes.

[@airdbreck]

Great shave as always mind you I could never move the razor across my face as fast as you Call you Kevy San the samurai 😂🤣😂🤣

[@Bowhuntingskills]

Honestly would go with a cream to start. In hard water areas soap can be a bit tricky and dissipating lather can be off putting when starting out

[@petemccallum6010]

Great tutorial Kevy I started on the cheepo side of things with the Wilkinson Sword classic razor,blade and brush with the Palmolive stick and felt my first real face burn with the Denim aftershave splash 😱 Have a good week Kevy 👍

[@troyjenkins3886]

We appreciate ya Kevy and hope sometime you and Mrs.Kevy will come to one of the meetups.We went to the Maggards one and it was great.I bought some nice things there and even my Wife liked it.Keep making videos and being you.👍😁

[@kevyshaves4109]

Thanks Troy. I'd love to make it to one of the meetups. Cheers. Kevy 👍

[@brianerskine3046]

I have started to use Williams shaving soap when I was 20's 💈now I have been using the straight razor and safety razor rockwells 6c, and good shaving soap and cream. I have getting BBS shave💈💈now I am in my 60's lol

[@kevyshaves4109]

Brilliant stuff Brian. Kevy 👍

[@JMac.]

That’s a great shave with some solid products. I love Arko, it performs quite well, and I’ve pretty much switched to all synthetic brushes... they’ve come a long way in the last 4-5 years. I’ve never tried the 34C but I have the Edwin Jagger DE89 which is basically the same head except it’s a three piece razor...... my current go to DE when I’m not using a straight razor is now the Karve Open Comb B Plate with a Voskhod blade. Unreal combo for my particular face. As far as a great starting combo for beginners you pretty much hit the nail on the head with the products in this video. Have a great week my friend.

[@kevyshaves4109]

Cheers. There's so much good choice out there for wet shavers at the moment. Kevy 😊

[@JMac.]

Kevy Shaves you’ve got that right! So many choices.... this community has exploded in the last couple of years, which is great. I’d dare say we have it better now than way back when this was the only way to shave, before the advent of cartridge razor, and they certainly didn’t have the soaps we have nowadays.

[@rajansharmaadv]

Hello, Kevy how are you, Merkur 34c doesn't shaves my tough and dense beard close even with a feather blade but Merkur 37c is excellent even with Wilkinson sword blades and goes well everyday I shave even on Sundays.

[@kevyshaves4109]

I'm good Rajan. I hope you are doing ok. Yes, the 37C is a bit more efficient than the 34C. Perfect for thicker or coarse stubble. Cheers. Kevy 😀👍

[@bobpfaff2258]

My wife pulled me up the other day re all my shaving creams and brushes. I opened up the 90% of bathroom storage drawers and cupboards she stores whatever in and I have been left alone since.

[@kevyshaves4109]

😂😂

[@jerrycourt9272]

Rabbit hole you say, cheaper you say, hahaha i say, lots of fun i say, enjoying every minute of it except occasional razor burn from me being stupid, and about the rabbit hole you spoke of to date the count is 13 razors, 8 brushes, 10 soaps and a fair assortment of after shaves and balms so i guess you’d say I’m hooked.

[@kevyshaves4109]

Keep going down the rabbit hole Jerry! You might come to the end of it one day 😂😀👍

[@TallysVids]

Just waiting on getting my first vintage razor (should be here tomorrow) a restored and re-plated 1967 Gillette Slim adjustable. I'm getting one more razor later in the year, and then I'm getting pulled out of that rabbit hole and that dam rabbit hole is getting concreted up (NO MORE SHAVING GEAR).

[@alexsamsung5579]

I've just started with shaving with a safety razor and I keep forgetting not to press down , so on a few occasions I've turned my bathroom into a bloodbath! It takes a bit of practice.

[@Abz-ye3pc]

The only item I would add for a beginner is an Alum Block. That will give you instant feedback on how good a shave it was 😂

[@marcocerqueglini4441]

very nice shaving Kevy,good evening!

[@sheshaveswithjill4838]

When I first returned to traditional wet shaving, I bought sample packs of shaving soaps and creams. Also bought different sample packs of razor blades to test to see which worked best in the different razors I had accumulated.

[@dexterne]

Good point on samples, especially when starting. I'm partial to Maggard's tiny samples, you can get a wide variety of scents and makes for a couple bucks a pop. Found some gems that way and got full tubs after, got some duds and didn't cry about pitching them.

[@sheshaveswithjill4838]

I did, however, find that sometimes the samples weren't a good representation of the full size. Some must've been old and dried up and didn't perform well.

[@kevyshaves4109]

Great suggestion Jill. 😀

[@dexterne]

Another good point about samples can be a bit off, so a meh sample might not be representative. But if you like the sample the full tub can only be better, and if you have a bad reaction to the sample you definitely don't want the full size!

[@sheshaveswithjill4838]

I did have several samples from a vendor and had a reaction to all of them. Obviously, I didn't buy any more full sized.

[@The_Spectre.]

Thanks for sharing the video, Kevy. Cheers!

[@sheshaveswithjill4838]

My two first Big Girl razors were the Merkur 34C and the Edwin Jagger DE 89L and I still use them frequently, especially for my leg shaves. Also, one of my first synthetic brushes was a RazoRock Plissoft. Plisson was the maker of the original Plisson Knot and changed the popularity and reputation of synthetic brushes. The Plissoft knot is every bit as good at a fraction of the cost.

[@kevyshaves4109]

You won't go wrong with either of those razors Jill. I love the Plissoft brush. Careful with those palm leaves now! 😂😉😀👍

[@sheshaveswithjill4838]

Yepper, doing a face plant into palm fronds is not suggested lol

[@pauledmonds4141]

Never hurts to go back to basics, with very positive results. Egyptian goose fat soaps are not required every time round. I got going with an Executive shaving starter kit came in a nice presentation tin. Muhle R106, Executive shaving cream, blades.

[@kevyshaves4109]

Brilliant Paul. I hope you still use it from time to time? Cheers. Kevy 😊

[@pauledmonds4141]

Still do, it’s in my rotation never lets me down. That all in one idea is a great way to start I think.

[@bigdave3847]

I've never thought of taking the puck out of the case and rub it on my face first, but I'll give that a try tomorrow. I really like Arko and the Old Spice. And the Astra greens are my favorite blades. I mostly use vintage razors though, a 1937 Gillette being my favorite at the moment. Thanks for the vids, Kevy, and greetings from North Little Rock, Arkansas, USA.

[@kevyshaves4109]

Hey Dave, it's just a different way to lather I guess. Cheers. Kevy 😀👍

[@DwightMS1]

Kevy, the Arko sticks seem to smell stronger when you first unwrap them, but after that scent fades a bit, it smells much like Ivory soap (Is Ivory available in Scotland?). But the Arko puck I just bought smelled like Ivory from the start. I have a million soaps that all smell great, but sometimes I'm just in an Arko mood. It's like those days when you'd rather have a hamburger than a good steak.

[@kevyshaves4109]

Ivory is available here but I've never tried it. You're right, sometimes Arko just feels like the right soap to use. Cheers. Kevy 😊

[@sierrapapa9932]

28:52 hahahahaha LEGEND! . Cheers Kevy

[@achimkohlhage1328]

If I wud start again, I'd rather start cheap, i.e. plastic razor, Arko, synthetic brush. If y don t like it, not much money burnt. I started the other way ard, thinking the more expensive, the btr. A Merkur Vision, Simpsons Chubby 3, charcoal soap n Feather blades. Went thru some bloodshed, ikt took several weeks to get btr n used to. Now that all is forgotten, learned it the hard way.

[@kevyshaves4109]

Sounds like you did it the hard way Achim. All good now. Kevy 👍

[@sheshaveswithjill4838]

I prefer non-alcohol Thayers Witch Hazels the best. It has a lot of other great ingredients other brands don't have in it.

[@danaemans566]

Great shave , I started out with a Merkur 34 c ,pure badger brush & Art of shaving sandlewood, little pricey of a start but thats what i had locally, didnt know about amazon then

[@Nav_M]

I would agree with all the items except the razor. My recommendation is the Rockwell 6C, which for $50 comes with 6 settings and will allow any new wet shaver to work up the plates. The merkur 34c is useless for me. Doesn't shave close at all and if I had started with that razor, I would have been very disappointed.

[@kevyshaves4109]

The 6C is a good razor but maybe a little expensive for those on a budget. I think the key to any razor working well is finding the right blade to go in it. Cheers. Kevy 👍😀

[@koosk41]

Merkur 34c ✔️ Astra blades ✔️ Razorock Plissoft ✔️ Arko soap ☠️ Old Spice...would if it was the original 'recipe'. Nice video, and enjoyed the references to the 'adventure' resulting in further purchases. Let's just say, I got a few "That'll be you then" from Linda 😂

[@kevyshaves4109]

Ha ha! Linda is spot on! 😂😀👍

[@sheshaveswithjill4838]

All great products you highlighted for new and seasoned wet shavers.

[@techguyml]

She Shaves with Jill are you trans? Cool videos btw.

[@kevyshaves4109]

Cheers Jill 👍

[@talega1]

Nice video. I started w a Merkur Futur and the rabbit fell in a dark cosmic hole....... . Got my brother a RazorRock TTO , a glycerin based soap, some astra or gillette blades, any after shave , and a nivea balm, RazoRock synthetic brush (I see no use for animal brushes despite having many of them). I think I only disagree with you w the soap, I loathe the smell (ProrASO or any other).

[@jensebu78]

Nice basic shave! Very good products! What i would advice? Maybe the 33C, cheaper but same good as the 34C. Good to try it out. Soap. Maybe Palmolive stick. Cheap as Arko but don't drying the skin out. And a synthetic brush. Maybe from supermarket will do it. Or directly from Yaqi. Great brushes! Have a nice week Kevy!😁

[@kevyshaves4109]

Good solid choices Jens. Kevy 😁

[@jensebu78]

@@kevyshaves4109 Maybe changing Palmolive to Speick stick. But three times more expensive 😉 Good choices? We should let the beginners the imagination that it is cheap 🤣🤣🤣

[@fatdadfit6022]

Okay, so I have a genuine question that my barber, who runs the Master Barber's Shop in Southport got me thinking about. He doesn't rate the Astra blades and said Merkur blades are better. Logically, that makes sense. Why would a revered and old company like Merkur, not know how to make blades that are best suited to their own razors?

[@kevyshaves4109]

You're barber's opinion could well be right, but for me, every blade is different and every blade isn't compatible with every wet shaver! Blades are so subjective. What you or I think are great, others might get the roughest shave of their life using the same blade. It's really a case of trying as many different ones and see what works well for you. Even putting the same blade in two different razors can give totally different results. That's what makes wet shaving so enjoyable for me. Cheers. Kevy 😀👍

[@fatdadfit6022]

@@kevyshaves4109 thank you for the reply...I'll try a few. Keep up the good work with the videos.

[@jfbrko290]

I'd probably recommend Merkur 23c, Astra blades, that synthetic brush you used, and Proraso cream. My first set up was Merkur 34c, Astra blades, and some Nivea tube shaving cream that didn't lather. That Nivea product made it a bad start because I was nicking myself a lot since the stuff didn't offer any kind of cushion, even though it was quite slick. but it was a learning experience, as I realized that cushion was equally as important as slickness for me.

[@jerrycourt9272]

Great shave Kevy I always enjoy your comments, very entertaining. Tell me what your favorite blade is. Thanks

[@kevyshaves4109]

Cheers Jerry. My favourite blade - at the moment - is the Gillette Nacets. Very smooth. Kevy 👍

[@arcadearnie]

Hey Kevy, just done my top 5 strongest scented soaps in my collection video, would love to see a video on what you have in your collection on the topic :)

[@kevyshaves4109]

That's a good one. I think of the ones I have, PAA and A&E have the strongest scents. Kevy 😀👍

[@zlopez-steele3362]

The U.K. version of old spice smells much better than the U.S. one

[@buddcarcook4655]

Z Lopez-steele you should try the French version of Brutt!

[@SolidShaves]

I have both uk and us version of old spice, new formula. Both, for me are the same. Old formula, os is very good

[@user-cv3gd2wr5q]

Why does it smell different? What’s in one that’s not in the other? I haven’t used old spice since the 80’s so I have no clue lol.

[@carlarthur4442]

I have always stuck to wet shaves with a brush and soap , I have different razors depending on my mood , and use Wilkinson shaving soap has a lovely scent , and another old favourite is Erasmic , my shaving brush is synthetic because they do the job , I will never buy a brush that has anything to do with animal hair because it feeds a cruel industry and I would never support that .

[@DE_Razor_Shaving]

Good video. I’ve got a lot to learn ...

[@kevyshaves4109]

Thanks. Take your time 😀👍

[@DE_Razor_Shaving]

That’s the hard part. :/ People want now,now,now. 😕

[@Enamm82]

Best decision I've made switching from your high street shaving products and Gillette blades to DE SAFETY RAZOR AND SHAVING PRODUCTS..

[@Fred_shaves]

Time for a new shave den tour soon? 👍☺️

[@palmer3977]

Excuse my ignorance Kevy but wouldn't it be better to use the balm/moisturiser after the shave & then the aftershave & not the other way around?

[@kevyshaves4109]

There's no right or wrong way to do it. I like to mix it up. Kevy 😀👍

[@MidwayShooter]

ARKO maybe cheap but I love it and the smell. I have better luck with Arko than other more expensive soaps

[@kevyshaves4109]

I really don't mind the scent of Arko. I've smelled worse! 😂😀👍

[@aamannadal7419]

Kevy,great video as always. Could you please recommend online sites,that operate inside the EU,because I find it extremely hard sourcing some specific DE blades,and also some other accessories. Thanks a lot.

[@kevyshaves4109]

connaughtshaving.com is where I get my blades. They have a good selection. Kevy 👍

[@SolidShaves]

Nice shave, very good lather. I think my face would dry out if i used that method with arko.

[@kevyshaves4109]

Thanks. I think the key is adding enough water to the lather. Cheers. Kevy 😀👍

[@SoCalShave]

Great choice of products Kevy! That 34C is one of my favorite razors to use, & that Arko soap is a great performer as well! As for the aftershave, come on. . . it’s just a #FuckenAwsomeScent! I also love that RR brush knot! 😉👍🏼 🙌🏼

[@kevyshaves4109]

Cheers mate. It's good to go back to the stuff that's sometimes forgotten about. Kevy 👍🏼😊

[@joyghosh5655]

My first setup was my grandfather's fatboy gilette shave cream and aftershave

[@itsjaydenk]

Hey Kevy, great vid, I’ve been wet shaving for a while but haven’t branched out with the soaps as much as I’d like as my face reacts badly to quite a few I’ve purchased. Do you have any recommendations for soaps or creams that work well with sensitive skin?

[@dexterne]

Check those soaps for a common ingredient, then avoid it like the plague. My kryptonite is lanolin.

[@kevyshaves4109]

What @TimDexter said in his comment, try to check the ingredients list of those soaps that are causing you irritation and see if there's one thing that's in them. Sometimes using an unscented soap can help as some people's skin react to certain essential or fragrance oils. Cheers. Kevy 👍

[@ChrisRBennet]

What soap do you get your best shaves from? So far, I have really enjoyed Stirling.

[@kevyshaves4109]

Hi Chris. I've just recently tried the new CK6 formula from PAA and I have to say that's probably one of the best soap bases out there at the moment. Incredible! Cheers. Kevy 😀👍

[@ChrisRBennet]

Kevy Shaves thanks for the info. I’ll try it out.

[@thedirk123]

Great shave Kevy and good information for some new wet shavers - soon enough we will convert the world back eh ;) my first DE razor is a Parker 65R - Cheers

[@kevyshaves4109]

Thanks Dirk. Hopefully some more people will come over to this way of shaving. Parker razors are really good. Cheers. Kevy 👍

[@thedirk123]

@@kevyshaves4109 I have been trying to convince all of my friends to come to the dark side and experience a proper wet shave. I like my Parker and I think the next razor on my shopping list will be the Parker Variant, looks like you have had some good shaves in the past with that one and the other reviews on it have been good as well. Cheers