I'm posting my first thread just to thank everyone on here so much for all the help I've already gotten just reading the forum posts before I joined tonight. I never join forums, but I got so much information that seems so crucial... I at least had to say thank you!

Besides, after searching around online, it seems the classifieds here are indeed a grade A place to check for quality razors.

After all the help I found on here, to begin setting up for my first straight razor shave, I already got some TGQ Leatherneck soap, as that seemed to be highly recommended. I also purchased a badger hair brush with a stand, a soap bowl, and am currently awaiting a reply from RayG as to whether or not he may be willing to part with his Robeson razors he posted on SRP's classifieds.

For my first strop, I'm currently looking on eBay,, even though I know everyone on here says that's not always a good idea. I'm just looking to get something cheap that I can ruin here in the beginning. I have a pretty limited budget, and if I pick up a blade from RayG, then I will already be over. Is a good strop that important? or will a simple one get me by until I can afford the upgrade?

Thanks again everyone!

Tucker