Alright, I didn't want to make this post until I had skimmed through other posts on the various areas in the forum.

I have yet to purchase a SR or any of the other materials needed to start with wet-shaving. Therefore I have been researching just buying full kits to get started. However, I am not entirely convinced this is a great thing to do when I might be able to piece it together on my own individually. Alright lets lay out my thoughts and get opinions.

Naturally I want my first SR to be a good blade and purchasing a Dovo seems like a great idea. One honed by a pro and ready to shave. With that said I have looked at some full SR kits to go with just that... Unfortunately, SRD seems to be sold out of their kits and a lot of their blades except for the ones on the higher end. Not wanting to spend a $200+ to get started, but if it's my thing then I'll invest... All of that said, I've been eye balling going over to whippeddog, getting one of his blades and strops and then ordering the rest else where. Figure I'd still be looking at $100 or so if I go this route. But this still kinda has me going "what if I get a blade that isn't as good of quality as I would like?" and then I also go "dude its your first straight razor, it's probably smart to go this route." etc etc. Nevertheless. So Im looking at a decent first blade if I go through whippeddog and get one of his unseen blades, or flawed blades but with the need to buy everything else individually. Or I can up the amount I'm spending and just go through vintage blades llc and get a nice starter SR kit. (Vintage Blades LLC :: Straight Razor Sets :: Complete Straight Razor Sets - Dovo Carbon Steel :: Dovo "Black Best Quality" 5/8" Full-Hollow Straight Razor Set) This seems like a great price and starting up kit. If I throw in the razor oil and strop conditioner, Im looking at $188 before taxes and free shipping. Just based off my research I feel like this is probably a great deal. Am I mistaken on this, or do we think going with whippeddog is a better idea? I'll save probably $50-60 bucks if I do, but I like the idea of my first SR being a quality dovo, with accompanying quality gear.

Hell I don't know, I like the idea of both. What are your thoughts?


Also, honing... I'd like to learn to hone at some point in my SR journey. As it seems to make sense if one is going to be a SR enthusiast. How long can/will a ready to shave/pro honed razor last before it needs to honed again?

Thanks y'all!