The only addition to what Silver said is that a nice brush (whatever you can afford) is not necessarily a consideration only for straight razor shaving. I purchased mine long before the straight razor bug bit me. Even if you determine later that the straight razor is not for you, the brush and soap/cream are perfect for any type of razor (except electric obviously) shaving. I love the application of good lather to my face by a warm brush. I got to hate those canned things. They never gave me that feeling of a good lather.