Hi there, I am new to straight razor shaving but I can tell you that Van Der Hagen shaving kit is available locally in any drug store and is pretty inexpensive. You get the soap, boar bristle brush and a shaving cup. I would personally go and spent few extra bucks on their Luxury kit, it comes with Badger brush and better soap. Make sure that the razor is trully shave ready. Most of all listen what people here tell you, they all have been through it and give sound advice, why not learn from mistakes someone else has made and save yourself time and money !!!