Thread: Just getting started

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?

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.

ed, ya got there first this time!

+1 on what ed said. Many ways and expense levels to arrive at the same destination. It's in the using where you will decide if you spent enough, to little or too much to arrive at your destination. Some start off first class and don't complete the journey (the classifieds and eBay are full of just barely used items, even in the shaving soap/cream section). Others need to pinch pennies and end up going first class. Different starts with different destinations which brings up that ubiquitous YMMV.

It all sounds fine to me. The only thing I'll add is that both of those razors have their own separate learning curves as neither operates anything like what you're used to. Be patient.

Thanks for the input Ed, I tried to go the cheaper route back in the early 90s but without the info you can find this site and the internet today I shaved twice with the straight razor I had to gave it up, the only regret i have are the brushes that I got but Christmas is coming up and I'll wait tell then
Thanks

+ 1 on the above advice. Just take your time and enjoy the journey!!

I have to confess that DE razors scare the pants off of me. The rest of the setup looks good.

Hi and welcome. Sounds like you are set for everything as long as the straight was pro honed. Good luck and happy shaving

I got the Boker from West Coast Shaving they listed it as honed by our honemeister and delivered to you shave ready. The only thing I did was strop it about 20 strokes and then started shaving with it. So far no complaints its a nice shave for a middle of the road razor.