Thread: Just getting started

Originally Posted by SANS1

First off thanks to all senor members who give great advise to guys like me who are looking to get started with shaving with a straight razor. The only thing I can say is a good razor isn't cheap and a cheap razor isn't good ( and all the other things that go along with shaving). So here what I started with and maybe it could give someone some idea of the cost to get started
1- The Merkur 5 Piece Shave Set Includes: for $115.00- Merkur 34C Double Edge Safety Razor
- RoyalShave PB2 Best Badger Shaving Brush
- 30 Degree Shaving Stand
- Omega Hard Shaving Cream
- Merkur Double Edge Platinum Blades, 10 Pack
-2 inch Red Latigo Leather strop $54.00
-Boker King Cutter $110.00
- AOF sample kit, Pre-shave oil, balm, $25.00
cream and brush
For a total cost of $304.00
So far I'm happy with everything I got.
Any thoughts?

Well you are certainly well set up, but you seem to have doubled up on brushes and soap/ cream. Also a d/e and a straight, i understand that it makes sense to have a backup razor but you can just use whatever you were using previously. I also think that preshave isn't strictly necessary.
You could get set up for around $100 if you buy a cheaper vintage, often in classifieds for around $60, and a cheaper strop, and something like the VDH starter set.

Please don't think I am trying to put you down, or ccriticise your choices, you have nice equipment, all I am saying is it can be considerably cheaper to get started.