Aftershave smells nice, but it’s just alcohol, which dries out your skin, which causes the irritation. You can use other products for after-you-shave though, like a moisturizer, that can smell nice. Personally I don’t use anything like that, so I can’t recommend anything. Sone people take shaving very seriously, and go crazy with soaps/lotions/razors... and it becomes a hobby. I just do it because it’s cheap and effective. If you want to get started on a budget, here’s what I use/recommend:
(You also need a bowl/brush for the soap. Often the BX sells that same one with a bowl/brush, or get your own separate. A puck of soap will literally last a year or two. Those blades last at least 5 shaves each.)
The lighting makes it tough to tell in the bottom two pix, but IMO the pitting just below the head in the first picture is a QC fail.
I recommend against the Merkur 34c. It was one of the best starter razors out there in 2007, but the landscape has changed dramatically.
The EJ shaves very well, and the fit and finish are outstanding. Matter of fact, EJ and Muhle collaborated on a head that was intended to be an improvement over the Merkur head they had both been using on their razors. The vast majority of people who've used both prefer the EJ / Muhle.
Consider getting a handle with real knurling, though. You'll have a better grip. I just saw this one for the first time today, and really like the looks of it. Good knurling on a standard-length handle (most EJs are too long for my taste), and if you return the Parker to Amazon you can apply the credit.
You do not want the Merkur Long handle, nor the Escali brush.
The Escali brush is ridiculously terrible and I don't know why it has such high Amazon reviews. The Merkur is an OK razor, but you can do better for similar money. Also, you think that you want a long handle but unless you have massively large hands you really don't. Trust me on that.
These are your best bets if you want to stick with Amazon. However it should be pointed out that Amazon doesn't have the best selection of shaving gear, especially when it comes to brushes. The Satin Tip I linked to is a good brush and would make an excellent "beginner brush" since it lathers well and is easy to maintain, but there are other synthetics worth considering.
Also, if you are willing to shop outside of Amazon you'll have a much wider selection of good soaps to choose from often at prices less than you will find for comparable products on Amazon.
Edwin Jagger Kelvin Double Edged Safety Razor https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00K6Z24SK/ref=cm_sw_r_udp_awd_o17Ztb1G8YGQ3YFB
I got that for the grip since my shaving location would be in the shower. Also, I shouldn't have to worry about these babies riding correct?
Just a heads up bud:
you might want to reprice that razor
Sweet thanks for all the tips!
I have the Edwin Jagger DE. I like using Proraso Shaving Cream, Sensitive Skin for my cartridges so I'd probably stick with that. I have some soaps and a soap bowl, but I hope to get away with using a cream just less messy and easier.
Have a silver tip badger brush from Whipped Dog. Have a ton of different razors that I just need to figure out what I like I guess. Then the usual syptic pencil, witch hazel, and probably some other skin stuff. I think I got enough to just learn a bit before I buy anything else.
My psoriasis has been a little crazy lately so I've been washing my face with Rx ketoconazole shampoo per my dermatologist. I usually use Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Hydrating Cleanser twice a day, and don't scrub much. Rarely I use Paula's Choice BHA with cotton pad depending on how my face/nose has been with sebaceous filaments and blackheads. Not sure how much of a crossover the shaving subs have with /r/SkincareAddiction/ lol. But I would usually shower, then shave right after too. Might try to vary things if it doesn't go smoothly.
But anyway, thanks for the kick in the butt :) Been wanting to bust out my dusty razor and give it another go.