I'm glad you are not going cheap with this. The worst mistake is cheaping out on the essential tools needed for successful straight razor shaving. You don't need top of the line but decent to start out. I still don't have top of the line.. Pair a decent shave ready razor with a strop and off you go!! But don't think it will stop there. Wait till the AD's get you! Then there's a never ending list of things you NEED!