Thread: Beginners Tips: August 2014

Couldn't have said it better myself.

Great points! I'll just add that when I started, the library here at SRP was also a huge resource.

I really like the "quality" gear suggestion. So often I read, "how can I get started cheaply" or words to that effect. I'd add to that: you don't have to buy one of everything you see or read about all at once (or maybe ever). I'd suggest a good basic wet shaving kit is a good SR or 2, professionally honed, a decent brush (which can be had for $10-20), a quality cream or soap (Proraso comes to mind), a coffee cup for lathering (or just your face), strop with replaceable leather (Chicago screws or the like) and a styptic pencil. As a backup a decent DE and 10 blades would be excellent ($25?). That's it...no need to buy hones, scuttles, 8 soaps, 3 varieties of brush, pastes, balsa, strop dressing, exotic pre or after shave balms, etc.

In short, go with the basics, but buy quality, especially in SRs.

And enjoy learning!