Thread: Newbie. Suggestions needed please

Since most people damage their blade in one way or another (stropping wrong, hitting the sink, etc..) the general advise is not to buy something expensive right out. I'd recommend checking out Larry Andro's site (Whipped Dog Straight Razor Sales). He sells really affordable vintage straight razors in shave ready condition for only about $20-$35 dollars.
Kenrup sells great starter strops on his site at www.ruprazor.com.

An amazing cream is Real Shaving Co cream, its on par with some of the top brands (AoS, T&H) but only costs about $5 from rite aid.

A good starter brush is the Tweezerman brush, its badger and a good size.

This is what I would get for starting out. Of course there are other options too, but its a great, affordable way to start out. of course, YMMV.