Need help...go figure

I am in the market for finding a new razor start-up type kit. I have looked at the sites you guys have listed but the ploblem lies with the choices that they have. I am not sure which one to buy. I just had my birthday so I figure when I get paid I will treat myself to a couple new things and this will definatly be one of them. I just want to make sure I get a good kit for a reasonable price without paying for any really unessary junk. Any assistance on this from any reputable site or model numbers will be much appreciated.

Acoda,

what do you need? A razor and strop or those plus soap, brush, mug, some type of hone, etc?

I assume you've looked at Tony Miller's start up kits at www.thewellshavedgentleman.com

If it's just a razor and strop, you might be better making your own kit, say a strop from Tony and a razor from Joshearl.

Acoda,

First and foremost, welcome to SRP - you will find tons of good info here and plenty of people willing to help out.

I whole-heartedly suggest checking out Tony Miller's stater's kits at his website www.thewellshavedgentleman.com.

He makes superior strops and puts them together with everything that you need to get started, including a shave-ready razor. Tony is a great guy, and spent about an hour with me on the phone going over everything. Look on the Buy, Sell, Trade forum here and buy a used ready-to-shave razor from a member. Most of my razors came from other members at a very affordable price.

There are lot of good opinions floating around here. For my first purchase I bought a hanging strop and pasted paddle from Tony, and a shave-ready razor from another member. From MY experience, it is best just to jump in and not over-think this. If you end up not liking the razor or strop that you buy, there is always a market here for it, so don't fear making a "wrong" decision. Have fun with it and enjoy.

:tu

I also recommend Tony Miller's starter kit. I used his kit when I learned to shave with a straight. Once you learn to shave and have some experience, you'll want to try different razors, strops and other items anyway, so, don't worry about what you get for your first razor as long as it's a good one. This can be a life-long thing so there's plenty of time to buy, sell and trade razors.