Trying to Put Together an Entry-level Kit

Hi, everybody.

I'm trying to put together an entry-level kit, and I need a little help. Right now the Boker Edelweiss is on sale. Is it only the handle that's different from the King Cutter, or is the blade different as well (other than the markings, of course)? Will the bone handle last longer than the synthetic one?

Any reason why the Simpson Beaufort 4 Pure Badger would not make a good entry-level brush? (I would be very grateful if anyone can tell me how well the color of the Boker Edelweiss and a Simpson brush match up.)

The strop is another thing. I'm not sure yet if I want to hang a strop in our bathroom. How do people like their paddle strops? Any limitations that a hanging strop solves? If I do go for a hanging strop, what are the advantages/disadvantages of webbed-fabric stops and the advantages/disadvantages of the different kinds of webbed fabric? (If this question is too much for a beginner to even worry about, just let me know. I can just get either a paddle or the basic 2" Latigo single leather strop.)

In all cases I'm trying to keep the price down, so if the item is more expensive because of some cosmetic reason or because the materials are a little hard to come by, I'll choose the cheaper item. I'm just a beginner, there's plenty of time for upgrade later as my stuff wears out.

I'm in Taiwan, so shipping charges will kill certain things off for me. A mug, for example, is too heavy and bulky for me to want to pay shipping on. Also, Taylor of Old Bond Street opened up a small shop near me, so shaving soaps and aftershaves are taken care of.

I appreciate any suggestions you have.

Robin wrote up a "shopping list" for new shavers.
Shopping list for beginners - Straight Razor Place Wiki

Thanks. I've already read that one. (I also like the idea that you have it as your signature. Someone else here has a good signature about holding the razor somewhat loosely to avoid nicks. Those tip-signatures are a very good idea.)

I cannot comment on the brush, but I do own the Boker Edelweiss from SRD and it is a steal at that price. It is an excellent shaver. It has really nice weight to it for a 5/8 blade because of the scales which are top notch. I purchased it last time it was on sale and I have no regrets.

Sounds like all you're looking for a reasonable straight and a cheaper strop. Whipped Dog Straight Razor Sales has some cheaper entry-level razors and a strop that you may be interested in.

A hanging strop, IMHO, is more convenient to use than a paddle...you won't lose it and you can do all your stropping right in the bathroom where you'll be shaving. With a paddle, you usually have to sit at the kitchen table first and strop and THEN go to the bathroom for the shave.

Thanks. That's my thinking, but I'm still undecided.

In order to save a bit on international shipping (I'm in Taiwan), which pads would people suggest I order extra of, or in addition to, the basic setup.

On hindsight, vintagebladesllc is cool and has a good selection but I was looking on straightrazordesigns and they have very good packages for newbs to ritzier starter packages with nicer razors. Seems when you order a kit from straightrazordesigns, they are pretty much everything you need to get started at a reasonable price.

Okay, the kit is coming together. I'd like to thank those who've made suggestions.

BOKER EDELWEISS 5/8 IN BONE HANDLE
S.R.D. MODULAR PADDLE + Premium IV English Bridle pad
CHROMIUM OXIDE .5 MICRON SPRAY 4 OZ.SPRAY BOTTLE
SIMPSON BEAUFORT 4 PURE BADGER
ACRYLIC DRIP STAND
PACFIC SHAVING COMPANY NICK STICK

I'll probably place my order early next week.

Any last suggestions?

My wife won't let me hang a strop in the bathroom. :rant:I have the SRP modular paddle strop. I think the paddle strop is easier to use as a novice. I like the ability to change pads as needed and it is small enough to take with me when I travel.The simpson brush is more than adequate for a beginner.

Seems to me if you go with the modular paddle strop, you don't need the CrOx spray--a bottle is included with the modular paddle kit. You might not need the Premium 4 pad, since the kit also already includes 2 felt pads, a rough-out leather, and a premium I. For a starter set, this is really more than enough IMO

Quote:

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Originally Posted by SlowRain

Okay, the kit is coming together. I'd like to thank those who've made suggestions.

BOKER EDELWEISS 5/8 IN BONE HANDLE
S.R.D. MODULAR PADDLE + Premium IV English Bridle pad
CHROMIUM OXIDE .5 MICRON SPRAY 4 OZ.SPRAY BOTTLE
SIMPSON BEAUFORT 4 PURE BADGER
ACRYLIC DRIP STAND
PACFIC SHAVING COMPANY NICK STICK

I'll probably place my order early next week.

Any last suggestions?

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You will love the modular paddle strop.I think you have a good kit. love the Boker.

IMO The premium VI Pad, it is amazing.
I prefer it over the PI, but YMMV.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Trevorxgage

IMO The premium VI Pad, it is amazing.
I prefer it over the PI, but YMMV.

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I just got mine, I'm going to wait until i stop cutting up strops. I also made 2 long bench strops to use when i'm honing.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by LawsonStone

Seems to me if you go with the modular paddle strop, you don't need the CrOx spray--a bottle is included with the modular paddle kit.

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I think it's a .5 micron diamond spray that's included with the kit. Is there a big enough difference between the two, or are they just two different ways to accomplish the same thing?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by LawsonStone

You might not need the Premium 4 pad, since the kit also already includes 2 felt pads, a rough-out leather, and a premium I. For a starter set, this is really more than enough IMO

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My thinking here is that I may end up with another razor somewhere down the road (sshhh, don't tell the wife). Just to play it safe with expensive international shipping, I thought I'd get it now. I really envy you guys living in the US who get free shipping, but this is more of a better-safe-than-sorry issue for me. I don't want to have to make a second order next year. Is it still overkill?