Thread: Buy a kit or purchase individually?

This will be my first purchase of a straight razor and ultimately my first time shaving with one. Just like the title says I'm curious as to which is better for a beginner. I like the convenience of the kit but if I could purchase items separately and have it be cheaper then that is what I would do. I have found one kit Browse Our Products for a Straight Razor Kit that doesn't seem bad but I would like to hear peoples opinions.

Check out the classified section on this site. A older vintage but restored razor is in my opinion your best value. And fine used strops are often available also. Old is quite often better than new.

I originally bought a DE Kit. Knowing what I know now, I would have ordered individual components. The brush was crap, everything else was ok. Just keep in mind that you can get a good boar brush for $10 to $20, if you go the kit route. Assuming that you get the razor that you want.

Looks like you have several difficult decisions to make. If I was in your position, I'd decide on which razor I want, which strop, which brush etc, then see if a bundled kit fits your needs. The bundle must suit you. Don't settle for what's in the bundle, otherwise you'll end up buying other items anyway. If a bundle doesn't fit your needs, then buy singularly. Good luck!

Usually with these kits you get one good item and the rest is ranging from so-so to garbage. Of course there are exceptions. You need to look closely at what you are getting.

Have you checked SRD good deals on the razor and Strop set but then again I already had most everything from DE shaving so...what all do you need?

Check the kit at SRD upgrade to a 3" strop my set with the upgrades I Picked was under 160 plenty of room to buy soap mug and boar brush(brush included in my order cost ) and stay Under that cost

Don't go for a cheap set. and look at which razors NOT to buy. Brands of Straight Razors to Avoid - Straight Razor Place Library

+1 on 10pups....And make certain it is shave ready when you get it

Originally Posted by Wirm

Check out the classified section on this site. A older vintage but restored razor is in my opinion your best value. And fine used strops are often available also. Old is quite often better than new.

this is a great way to go if you know what your looking for and what you want. i bought a cheap kit it had a str8 razor, strop, and brush, i ended up buying another razor and use a brush i had already as well as i'm currently looking for a new strop. so if you buy a kit make sure that it is a good kit.
if you buy individually and have the money to do so when you get a strop buy a replacement piece of leather for your strop because if like me your new to stropping you will and i mean you WILL nick and cut you first strop.
I'd recommend a 3" strop.
if you want a good kit SRD has some great deals for razor and strop kits. Like LexTac said you can buy boar brushes for $10 or $20 dollars.
Best thing you can do is decide what you want and go from there.