So here's the story. I used to shave with a Mach 3 and canned goo. I upgraded from the goo to Proraso soap and a brush just under a year ago, and then upgraded the Mach 3 to an old DE that used to belong to my uncle.

The soap brush improved the enjoyment of my shave beyond comparison, I can't see myself ever returning to canned stuff.

The DE I'm not completely sold on yet. One good thing about it is that the blades are a whole lot cheaper, but there are some bad things! With the DE: it takes a little longer to shave, I cut myself more frequently, and I get irritation more frequently. I'm hoping the Merkur will help solve these problems. What do you think?

I also bought a different blade sampler pack, since I've still never settled a brand I like. I'm excited to try feathers for the first time.

Old Gear

• An old Gillette Rocket or maybe it's a Parat, I know it is at least 20 years old, but I think this razor was first produced in the 1940s.
• A small brush made of i dunno what from i dunno when. I think it's synthetic fibers and I know it is at least 20 years old. It came in a barber kit with hair clippers that my Dad bought when I was a kid to cut mine and my brother's hair.
• Proraso soap I bought at Shopper's Drug Mart, it was the only soap they had with a brand name I recognized when I first ditched my canned goo.

New Gear

• Merkur 23C Long-Handle DE Safety Razor
• Pure Grey Badger Shaving Brush from Fendrihan
• Col. Conk Bayrum Shaving soap
• 3P Pre/Post Shave cream I will use as a pre-shave prep and post-shave balm.
• Feather blades from a sampler pack

Click here for photos!

I'd love your comments and/or feedback!