I am thinking of shaving with a straight razor. I have read the sticky post for new people using a straight razor, and have read many of the posts for razors, brushes, soaps and technique. Here is what I have so far and a few questions for those in the know.

Since I an starting out I am looking for the basics.
I have some Van Der Hagen soap and boar hair brush (sticky post recomended for first timers not wanting to invest a lot up front). I have an old mug for the soap. I have an Illinois Russian hide strop (wife found for me). It is older but is still in great condition.

My question is about the razor. I want a good razor, but I am a little limited on the price. I am thinking of going with a Dovo Bismark 5/8 spike point, pre-honed from Vintage Blades, but I would like to hear if anyone has any recomendations as for a good /better starter blade. I would like something good to start but I don't want to out grow it too quickly.

Later down the road I may look into hones, multiple strops, and I hear realy good things about Mama-bear shave soaps.

Thank you for your time.




Don't Panic