Can't find an intro forum... so:

[IanS]

Howdy. 25 year old male. Been shaving (rarely) since about twelve. Tried electric, hated them, rip the hair right outta my face unless I PRESHAVE with a trimmer down to 1mm or less... and still damn uncomfortable even after I take that step. Usually used safety razors with anywhere from 1-5 blades... but they are irritating and clog up after 1-2 uses on me. 99% of days I just trim down on a trimmers lowest setting and go around with Doctor House's style shadow. Decided I'd give straight razor's a try.

I'm familiar with sharp stuff, 7 yrs experience as a cook/chef. Part timing as a grunt in a bar kitchen while I attend college these days.

I picked up...

Chas F.Schmidt w/ Long Tail - Straight Razor Place Classifieds

this fella.

A zeepk strop (Read that their blades suck, but figuring it must be hard to screw up a strop).

Fromm strop dressing

Bidding on a retro barber honing stone that looks unused or very lightly used, as well as a badger hair brush with hanging stand and cup.

Other than soap, is there anything else I should have on hand?

[claytor]

Sounds like you've got all you need to get started for now.

As a guy who had to use a Zeepk strop for a while I know that they work "OK". Just be careful that you don't get the leather side (mine was black) that concaves. That can mess with an edge a bit. Also, the Zeepk canvas side is junk.

[ursus]

Stypic for cuts could come in handy sometimes.

Good aftershavebalm.

You chose the razor well. Beware the spiked point though. Can't say about the strop. Give it a go and see how it works out for you.

[IanS]

Ah yeah, styptic pen, those can be picked up at a drugstore still, right?

Recommendations on aftershave balm? Preferably something with no scent or a mild scent.

Also soap recommendations (sorry, Castle Forbes just isn't happening, waaaaay outta my price range... maybe get some as a gift some day) would be appreciated.

Thanks for the quick help already.

[DPflaumer]

You should be able to get a styptic at a drug store, but I have never used one. For cheap soaps, you can't beat Kells. Its what I am using right now and costs all of $6 for a huge puck in a resealable tin. I recommend Arabian spice for the coming winter months.

[AlanII]

Ah yeah, styptic pen, those can be picked up at a drugstore still, right?

Recommendations on aftershave balm? Preferably something with no scent or a mild scent.

Also soap recommendations (sorry, Castle Forbes just isn't happening, waaaaay outta my price range... maybe get some as a gift some day) would be appreciated.

Thanks for the quick help already.

Nivea after shave balm (sensitive, never used the other) is a neutral scent and very good value. Tabac is the obvious soap recommendation though some dislike the scent.

[IanS]

DPf: Nice, is it available at any B&M's, or should I just order online?

Alan: Ah I think I actually have some nivea balm around here somewhere from an xmas a year or two ago.

[DPflaumer]

It is just online, I'm not sure what the website is, but if you google kells shave soap it will get you to it. I have heard the Casbah mint is great, but since it is winter I would go with the arabian spice. I makes me think of warm spices sipping cider sitting by the fireplace around christmas.

[JimmyHAD]

Welcome to SRP. Sounds like you have a tough beard. Here is the beginner's guide in the SRP Wiki and here is SRP founder Lynn Abram's suggestions for beginning shaving with a straight. Don't get discouraged if the learning curve takes some time. It is worth it.

[commiecat]

If you're looking for stuff on the cheap, KenRup sells a strop for $20 called The Filly.

If you get a barber hone then make sure it's lapped (flat). I know they're particularly tricky to get flat.

As far as soap/cream goes, you can get C.O. Bigelow cream (rebranded Proraso) at Bath & Body Works. That link says $10 but I think you can get a smaller tube for $5. When I started I found that cream was much easier to lather. Another good source for soaps is The Gentlemen's Quarter where you can get sample sizes for $2.25.

Witch hazel can also be picked up in most stores for cheap. It's good to apply after your shave. If you have a health food market/GNC near you, then look for Thayer's brand as they have some good scented witch hazels.

Hope that helps and welcome to the site. Definitely check out the wiki as there's a ton of info in there!