Quote Originally Posted by Stubbles View Post
[tortoise or the silver steel]Any suggestions between those two?
It doesn't really matter. Both are nice razors. The Tortoise's fame leads back to an overenthusiastic amateur review on another forum. At the end of the day, I personally find its look tacky compared to the Ebenholz, but that is just personal preference. Can't really go wrong with either.

Quote Originally Posted by Stubbles View Post
Now I have to take the next step and buy the razor, strop, brush, mug, strop, creams, balms...this gets expensive quick, doesn't it?!
Not necessarily, cf Buying a beginner's set on a budget - Straight Razor Place Wiki - it only gets as expensive as you let it get. I certainly wouldn't start with something in the USD 130 price range (I did, however, start with something in the USD 200 price range myself, and promptly enhanced the gold plating on a Wacker with a big water stain).

While I would not skimp on the razor/strop combo, there is no need to buy a fancy brush. Also, a good quality cream will do nicely, but need not be overly expensive. Check our Reviews section for more information - you might be surprised how relatively inexpensive straight shaving can be.

Happy shopping,
Robin