Complete Setup???

I tried to read as many threads and titles as possible to answer this, but I have a detailed question. I have been on the forum for a while and look forward to my first straight razor shave. I purchased a razor on ebay and have already made arrangements to have it honed and possible restored. Now, I know I need a brush, soap or cream, strop, and a bowl. There are also conditioners, oils and lotions to consider. My question is, is ther any place to get all of these in a set without the razor? Will I be beter off piecing everything together from different sites who specialize in each product. I want a cool vontage bowl from ebay probably, but I also want a high quality brush wherever I can get one. I also want a good cream or soap from places recommended here. Im a little overwhelmed on how to get all of this before my first shave. Any suggestions? Whew, thank you!!!

Well you can start with what's your budget as that will determine a lot.
You need a strop - the usual recommendation is to get one at www.thewelshavedgentleman.com, but there are other options (illinois for example)
Brushes vary from as little as $5 to as much as at least $500.
My favorite soaps can be found at www.thegentlemensquarter.com
I don't use conditioners and oils, but I use aftershaves - a lot of options here, many people like AquaVelva/OldSpice/Nivea which can be found in your local drugstore, but there are certainly a lot of options. I alternate between several - Alt Innsbruck, Pre de Provence, Trumper's Coral Skin Food and others. It is a matter of personal preference as what works for me and what I like will probably not be the same for you.
As for 1-stop shops, classicshaving.com and vintagebladesllc.com would be my first suggestion, but there are other places too.

Jim at Vintage Blades could surely fit the bill. He has everything on your list and all of it is quality. You don't need a pre-made "kit", just piece it together based on your budget.

A high quality brush will serve you well for many years to come if you take care of it. Jim has Rooney, Shavemac, Vulfix, Rooney Heritage and Dovo brushes and based on your preference will no doubt be happy to suggest something suitable.

Vintage also carries 2 brands of strops if I recall correctly, Heirloom strops from Tony and the Dovo brand. Both are top notch, Tony's Heirloom are very highly regarded here at SRP.

I could go on but I think you'll find everything you need at Vintage Blades.

Now, there's nothing wrong with shopping around so a few other sites to check would be Classic Shaving, Lee's Safety Razors, The Well Shaved Gentleman, Em's Place and there are still more..... I love them all but based on your request for a one stop shop, I'd head over to Jim at Vintage Blades. Great selection, great service and a nice guy to boot. :D

Regards

Christian

Tony Miller is THE man for this IMHO. If you don't go for his kit, at least get your strop from him or one of the other fine craftsmen here.

Oh, Colleen's soaps ... THE BOMB!!! Try the Leatherneck.

X

As has been said above, it all depends on your budget. Here are my suggestions if you don't mind piecing a set together:

1. Strop: Tony Miller (http://www.thewellshavedgentleman.com), no question about it. Starter strop ~$30.

2. Brush: The Crabtree & Evelyn brushes get rave reviews for the price ($35) ( http://store.crabtree-evelyn.com/men...ing-tools.html).

3. Soap: Tabac, generally available at http://www.qedusa.com/. You might have to call to make sure he has it. ~$20.

4. Aftershave: Aqua Velva, available at most regular drugstores. ~$5

Thank you so much for the replies. Even though there were a few different suggestions, I (and hopefully others) have a pretty consolidated grouping of each site and its specialty. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!! I now have a few weeks to gather these items while I wait to get my razor restored. :y