That's OK l3v, I can't bake beards...

Got some new toys today for my birthday

Got a Merkur 38C handle, an Edwin Jagger brush and some shaving cream

Going to need to get used to it over the lighter handle I had before, and the curved blade will take some getting used to also

Excellent razor and brush. What blades did you get/gonna try?

Remember to watch Mantic59's channel on youtube. There's enough in there to get you sorted. Remember - very little/no pressure, correct blade angle and minimal passes to start off with.

I think at one point you aluded to shaving oil - I've used art of shaving preshave oil and king of shaves shaving oil - with both I found they impeded flow of the blade and it would "catch" or "skip" across the skin.

ATM I have some average Wilkinson Sword blades that came with the basic one, seen some good blades for a good price (100 for £10ish on ebay http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/WILKINSON-SWO ... 4aaaddee92 ) I am going to get to try a few different blades to see what works well

Get a sample pack. I bought one from traditional shaving. 8 or so packs of 5 blades.

I'd recommed Derby or Astra blades for beginners - very forgiving but still get a damn fine shave with minimal cuts/rashes etc.

Need to work out how to use the shaving cream I got too, not used to such a thick lather when trying to shave, or the handle so did a bit of an iffy job before, but aside from minimal nicks not a single spot of razor burn which is amazing

Will check out the sample packs, need to find a brand that works for me

In my sample pack of 8, I found 3 very useful - one was Derby which was great if I needed a "safe" hassle-free shave. Gillette 7 o'clock and Wilkinswords were both excellent but came with risks of burn and nicks.

Meet your new shaving God.
http://www.tden.ru/articles/show/14711

Until we're swapping reviews of which shovel's best, we're not nearly the man he is.

My GFT soap is running out (well there's a hole in the middle, 50% used may be more accurate!).

I've ordered TOBS shaving cream in a tube. Gives me a chance to try shaving creams as well as some attempts at "superlathers" (combine soap and cream). Bought some new razor blades - more Gillette ones - they're fast becoming a favourite. Love their superthins and 7 o'clocks so shall see how the rest go.

Connaugh shaving also do "samples" of shaving cream (probably not legal) so have gone for Rose and lemon&lime to try the scents.

It was a struggle not to go on my usual spending spree! Was very tempted to buy some truefitt&hill lime soap, lime cream and try some lime aftershave lotion (brand undecided). Also saw some lovely muhle shaving brushes which cost teice what I paid for mine. Managed to spend only £25 on my order instead of the expected £100+ so quite pleased.

You seem to have a very obliging wallet, compared to mine at least.

Sainsbury's own single-blades, 80p for 10. They're so simple they don't clog and don't seem to blunt that quickly either, about 2-3 weeks daily on each.

Gilette standard shaving gel, just give it 5 or so minutes to absorb properly before I start.

No problems here...

I use hedge trimmers.

Petrol or electric?

and its Somersets shave oil combined with disposable Wilkinsons here. 35ml of oil lasts the best part of a year and a blade 15 to 20 shaves.