Like several of the previous posts, I would opt for a complete straight razor shaving kit from SRD--one of the low end "Best Quality" straight razor sets with strop, brush, etc. will do just fine. You can save alittle money buying all of these items as a package, as opposed to a la carte.

Add a quality shaving cream or soap (ie. D. R. Harris, Taylor of Old Bond Street or Mitchell's Wool Fat) and a lather bowl (ie. small dessert or cereal bowl from Wal-Mart, Target or your kitchen) and you're good to go.

You can always upgrade individual items in your beginner's shaving kit later.