Thread: Startup advice

So I've been reading through forums and browsing this site for awhile now in prep for my first straight razor experience, and first off, this site and its members are awesome. Second, I wanted some advice on equipment/products. I don't initially want to spend a lot, but at the same time I want a good experience. Here's what I had in mind:

Razor (already purchased from classifieds for $20): Rescaled Klas Tornblom 4/8
Brush: Omega #11712 Banded Boar brush for $12
Shaving Cream: TOBS Avocado $14
Strop: Whipped Dog Poor man's strop $25 or two strap Leather strop $30
Aftershave or preshave: DIY food-grade coconut oil, castor oil, vitamin E oil (I currently use it as a hair conditioner/ face wash/ beard softener)

Am I missing anything, or are there better products in the same price range I should consider? Thanks!

That should pretty much be it!
All that is needed for a close and comfortable shave is listed there, now all you need to do is practice

Thanks! I will be following some of the posted beginner's tips. It's very nice to know there is a very knowledgable community here to help!

As long as your razor is shave ready, You're off to the races!

Grab yourself a septic pencil over at your local pharmacy (cheap) to stop any bleeding. Hopefully you will not need it much, but when you need it they really work.

I still pull mine out from time to time - stings, but works.

Good luck and welcome!!

I'd suggest you get a strop with canvas component. Amazon usually has the illinois/fromm strops which are good and in the $30-$40 range, e.g. Amazon.com: Fromm Razor Strop 2 1/2" X 23": Health & Personal Care

The canvas makes a big difference for the longevity of the edge. It is more abrasive than leather, but much less than pastes.

Avoid those septic pencils at all cost!! Go with a styptic pencil instead!

Originally Posted by Dzanda

Avoid those septic pencils at all cost!! Go with a styptic pencil instead!

Bahahaha!!! Dang auto correct!!

Good looking out!

Thanks for all of the advice! Definitely going to get a stypic pencil (if I flush it down the toilet it may become a septic pencil as well :P)

I'd suggest you get a strop with canvas component. Amazon usually has the illinois/fromm strops which are good and in the $30-$40 range, e.g. Amazon.com: Fromm Razor Strop 2 1/2" X 23": Health & Personal Care

The canvas makes a big difference for the longevity of the edge. It is more abrasive than leather, but much less than pastes.

Thanks gugi! Assuming I'm stropping correctly, and shaving about 3 times a week, how long might I be able to go before needing to send it off to be honed again?

Sounds like you have everything you need covered. As for stropping it will depend greatly on you. Some people stuff an edge quickly with poor stropping and others can keep a blade going for a very long time. Technique also makes a difference in shave quality. If you are just trying to touch up regularly then you probably want to do that about every 7 to 10 shaves to keep the blade in optimal condition. But realistically you can use the razor until it is too uncomfortable and doesn't cut properly anymore but shave quality will fall off.