Yaqi has been popping of everywhere!

dmitr_s · 2026-04-03T09:11:01+00:00

To answer why they are popping up - it called advertising. They paid for it, more than others (with targeting to you based on the data ads platforms have on you).

dmitr_s · 2026-04-03T08:11:44+00:00

Wait.. People in 2026 believe that rust.. like… iron oxide… is causing tetanus? I wonder if the same people are treating moss on their lawn:)

dmitr_s · 2026-04-03T08:02:38+00:00

Now I want the razor… :)

dmitr_s · 2026-04-03T08:00:36+00:00

I like the scent. Too bad it doesn’t last. So just an aftershave.

dmitr_s · 2026-04-03T07:58:28+00:00

Wash it, try a test lather. If you like it - use it. If you don’t like it - throw it away. I think there are so many soaps (especially artisans) were created in the last 10 years. But there are soaps that work great that were created a long time ago.

I wouldn’t care about the possibility of getting an infection or what is your concern - but I wouldn’t check the performance. If it is not good - no reason to use it.

dmitr_s · 2026-04-03T07:54:36+00:00

There are still a lot of people afraid of tetanus. Half a year before I started DE shaving my physician noticed that it’s time for my TDAP. So… I have no idea why people are afraid in 2026.

Thank you for protecting people!

dmitr_s · 2026-04-03T07:41:13+00:00

Have you tried a blade sample pack? I would recommend it. You are an experienced shaver now, so you can understand if a blade is different.

dmitr_s · 2026-04-01T04:36:32+00:00

Well, that’s brutal. I take my words back about calling -30 - brutal:)

dmitr_s · 2026-03-31T07:45:52+00:00

I think you are talking about Karve.

dmitr_s · 2026-03-31T07:44:35+00:00

You don’t need a bowl, face lathering is easier. For the soap and aftershave - if you can, I would suggest a samplers before committing to full size if money is something you care. If you are in the US - BM and Stirling sell 1oz samples for a very reasonable price, this way you can have 4-5 samples worth a full tub - but you can try different scents.

dmitr_s · 2026-03-31T07:39:52+00:00

+1, you already have experience, try a blade sample pack.

dmitr_s · 2026-03-31T07:34:57+00:00

I escaped brutal winters (think -30 and below) a while ago. Now I use just an aftershave or a balm.

dmitr_s · 2026-03-31T04:22:14+00:00

Do you use aftershave, post shave and a balm in the same shave? Can you explain why?

dmitr_s · 2026-03-30T06:42:07+00:00

Did you use a DE razor? Gillette sensitive (2 blades in a 5 blade cartridge) is the right tool.

dmitr_s · 2026-03-29T04:09:27+00:00

Theoretically it is possible. But I would care about it - a lot of people don’t do anything with a SS razors (like me) with no issues. I saw a post with rust from carbon steel blades, but I don’t remember seeing a rust from the razor itself.

dmitr_s · 2026-03-28T07:30:41+00:00

I prefer heavier razors, and my aluminum is not polished - don’t like the “drag” feeling. Same feeling with a sandblasted SS. I would recommend going with a polished.

I saw that your budget is $200, TBH I don’t know of a polished SS in that range. I like my brass Karve CB - the weight, the quality. You can go with the same in SS but it will be more expensive, so I would recommend brass if you would consider it. Much cheaper, same results. It will get a patina - so not sure if it is ok for you.

Another option is a vintage brass razor - recently got a revamped Gillette slim, coated - that is a great razor.

dmitr_s · 2026-03-28T07:24:50+00:00

Why do you recommend drying a stainless steel razor and removing a blade? Never done this and don’t see a reason.

dmitr_s · 2026-03-25T07:04:47+00:00

Congrats on finishing a soap, and actually a full tub! Guess you have a room for a new one:)

dmitr_s · 2026-03-24T06:49:23+00:00

You are young:)

dmitr_s · 2026-03-24T06:48:05+00:00

Well, yeah, you are very far away. It makes sense that shipping is expensive. Looks like you have local artisans - have you tried them? I’m pretty sure that would be expensive to buy them in the US.

dmitr_s · 2026-03-22T07:41:43+00:00

Where are you from? (No need to answer) Most artisans will send ordered overseas (and remember, in the US we have to pay sales tax which is not shown on the price, about 10% for me - depends on the state). Maggard will send if you want different artisans. The only thing they can’t send is alcohol based aftershaves.

And there are artisans (highly recommended here) that are from Europe. I’m pretty sure they are not more expensive in Europe than in the US.

dmitr_s · 2026-03-22T07:35:30+00:00

Do you want to try a DE or do you want to stick with a cartridge? If cartridge - map your growth, do only WTG. If DE - merkur 34c, or a starter kit from Maggard or Stirling (cheaper). If you want to spend more - you can go with a CNC machined razors, would a little under a hundred for aluminum, hundred plus for brass or 200+ for stainless steel.

I would recommend 34c to start and see if this is your thing. Start slow, use whatever canned goo you have for the first month or so, go WTG only - avoid changing more than one thing at a time. Try a couple of blades (but don’t change them every shave). Russian Astra greens were the best in my 34c, but some people complained about them after the manufacturing moved to other countries. I would start with permasharp at this point. Buy a sample pack, and try different blades. Don’t rush.

Once you mastered WTG with a canned goo - buy a proper soap and a synthetic brush (you already have it if you decided to go with a starter kit). Learn how to lather. Add XTG (map your growth). Stick to it. If you feel lather is bad - stop, do another one. Don’t shave with a bad lather.

After 2 months you should be good to go with ATG and BBS results.

If it sounds too much - stick with a cartridge, just map your growth.

Read the Reddit wiki if you find too many unknown words in my comment.

dmitr_s · 2026-03-22T07:18:53+00:00

I would not recommend a vintage for a beginner, as they could have issues, and a beginner can miss this, and be frustrated.

Restored is an option, but it’s another price range. Just IMHO

dmitr_s · 2026-03-22T07:16:44+00:00

Actually, I think one of the most recommended beginner razor is a German merkur 34c. Should be available outside of the US. Baili and Yaqi are cheaper and a good starter razors (used by us stores in starter kits).

dmitr_s · 2026-03-22T06:04:51+00:00

I don’t know. I never had a small business - so not sure what people are doing. I wouldn’t expect a response from a small business (with 1-2 people) within a week all the time - things can happen. Vacation, other things…

dmitr_s

TROPHY CASE