I am looking to start shaving with a straight razor and I have spent the better part of two weeks looking on the internet at every possible source of information I could find on the purchase and use of a straight razor.

I think I know enough about what razor to buy, what strop and what hone to get myself going but I have a few questions about razor quality and a ton of questions about soaps.

To explain myself I am 26 and have been shaving since I was very young and if I need to be clean shaved all day I have to shave twice a day. For as long as I can remember it has hurt to shave I have tried many different razors and specialty shave foams and nothing has worked. My face is always bright red and burning after a shave generally many small dots of blood which usually results in acne and shaving bumps. So that is why I decided to try a straight razor everyone says it is the only way to shave and should eliminate my problems.

My first question is, is there a razor I should use that best fits my stupid skin. From my research it doesn’t seem to matter as long as it is a good quality blade well honed and stropped. But I am open to any suggestions please.

My second question is, I know pre oils, shaving soaps, and after shaves are all mostly personal preference but I was wondering if anyone had some experience and could give my a push in the right direction and the best stuff for my skin type.

I really appreciate any help that you all can give me and thanks for your time.