Thread: What is the bare minumum I need?

Here is a link to a VERY inexpensive badger brush that has gotten some pretty decent reviews. It costs just as cheap as a boar brush, so you make the call:

Shea Moisture / Face and Shave

Spend the bulk of the money (if you have too) on a decent shave ready razor, Strops can be had cheaply (The filly has already been mentioned), a shave brush can also be had for a few dollars. I've recently picked up a cheap one from a grocer (for the travel kit), but I've yet to try it.
As for shave soaps I use one of two brands, Mennen is one that I think would be well known. It comes in a tube, looks like toothpaste but doesn't taste as nice. It too is cheap.


Mick

Originally Posted by funklab

Okay, so the consensus seems to be that I also need a brush and some soap. While I was at the grocery store today, I noticed that they have a Tweezerman badger brush for $15. I don't know what the quality is, but that seems like a pretty reasonably price.

Does walmart really have shaving soaps?
Any suggestions for one, because I really don't know what to look for?

I think I am leaning towards the SRD Razor and Strop set, but I'm thinking about getting the kit that also comes with a mug, soap, and a brush... getting kinda out of my price range there, though.

The tweezerman should do just fine!

Also if you have a bath and body works in your local mall, they have a re-packaged Proraso shave cream that is great!

http://straightrazorpalace.com/soaps...am-budget.html

I just picked up three 5 oz tubes! Buy two and get one free!!

In terms of a razor and strop arrangement, I suggest that you also consider whippeddog.com. This may be cheaper than you intended. If so, perhaps this can serve as a resource for other cash strapped wannabe straight razor shavers in a tough economy. I started out by purchasing a razor and "Poor Man's Strop" from this site. This is a good place to get started on the cheap before RAD sets in.

Be advised: The pictures of razors on this site look, well, ugly because he photographs them before he restores and hones them prior to delivery.

When I ordered, I received a clean and sharp straight razor along with a simple strop kit and some valuable shaving instructions. That was my bare minimum as I already had a brush and soap (VDH kit ... cheap but did the job). Whatever you choose, you're going to love it once you get hooked. Enjoy!

I'd actually be quite interested in getting a decent vintage razor as several people have suggested, but I tend to shy away from that at this point. I really have no idea what makes a quality razor, and no way to tell what old brands were good quality. I might well end up with an old razor that cost nearly as much as a decent new one, and have a poor quality blade.

It has already been made clear here that you need a razor and strop to start. SRD or classifieds is great.

For the rest, I would have gone in this direction if I could do it over.

Amazon.com: Van Der Hagen Premium Shave Set (Soap, Bowl, Brush): Health & Personal Care

Thanks for all the advice guys.

I got a Tweezerman badger brush for $15 from a local grocery store. I bought some generic shaving soap and old spice after shave from walmart, and have been practicing with that kit while shaving with my disposable.

I really don't like the soap, it seems like it does not lather that well, although most of that is probably my fault. I am trying to make the lather in a curved coffee mug which probably isn't the best shape for it. Any advice on making a thicker lather?

Today I just got a Boker King Cutter and strop from SRD, it is the monthly special, so I broke down and shelled out $107.99 for it. At least I know its properly sharp, and I got free shipping and a certificate for one free honing. Expensive (to me) but I feel like it was a pretty good deal. I also picked up a couple of SRD's sample sizes of soaps to see if I can find something better than the cheap stuff from walmart.

I haven't shaved with it yet, but I am already looking for a decent hone. I think I'd like to try my hand at honing when my razor gets a bit dull, see if I can get it back in shape and shave with it, then send it off to SRD for the free honing to see how much sharper they can get it than I can.

Now I just have to jump in and take the plunge. I am debating on whether or not to go ahead and do my first straight shave this afternoon or wait for tomorrow morning... rereading the wiki and beginners guide for the third time... the blade beckons...

In addition to a low-end combined razor & strop set (ie. Dovo Best Quality & strop) from one of the vendors who advertises heere at SRP, I would recommend going to your local drugstore or Wal-Mart and getting some shaving soap and a cheap, but acceptable shaving brush and soap such as that offered by Van der Hagan.

Don't try honing your razor at this point...If its from SRD, its already shave ready. Its an additional cost that you don't need. The razor's sharpeness should last at least 6-12 months with proper stropping. Later, get another strop and some diamond spray and/or Chromium Oxide paste to renew the sharpness of your blade.

Originally Posted by jhenry

In addition to a low-end combined razor & strop set (ie. Dovo Best Quality & strop) from one of the vendors who advertises heere at SRP, I would recommend going to your local drugstore or Wal-Mart and getting some shaving soap and a cheap, but acceptable shaving brush and soap such as that offered by Van der Hagan.

Don't try honing your razor at this point...If its from SRD, its already shave ready. Its an additional cost that you don't need. The razor's sharpeness should last at least 6-12 months with proper stropping. Later, get another strop and some diamond spray and/or Chromium Oxide paste to renew the sharpness of your blade.

As usual, my friend jhenry has offered some great advice. Even a cheap soap and brush is vastly superior to canned goo rubbed in by hand IMHO.

Originally Posted by jhenry

In addition to a low-end combined razor & strop set (ie. Dovo Best Quality & strop) from one of the vendors who advertises heere at SRP, I would recommend going to your local drugstore or Wal-Mart and getting some shaving soap and a cheap, but acceptable shaving brush and soap such as that offered by Van der Hagan.

Don't try honing your razor at this point...If its from SRD, its already shave ready. Its an additional cost that you don't need. The razor's sharpeness should last at least 6-12 months with proper stropping. Later, get another strop and some diamond spray and/or Chromium Oxide paste to renew the sharpness of your blade.

I'm going to do my best at stropping, but I am pretty sure that the technique is something that has to be learned. I was under the impression that I will probably end up screwing up my edge (or at least losing the sharpness sooner) while I am learning, so I might need to have it honed sooner.

I am certainly up for any advice you guys have.