Newbie. Suggestions needed please

I'm about to start to purchase my first straight razor but I'm a bit sketchy about what to get. What are the pros and cons between carbon steel and stainless steel razors? And I don't want to get ripped off or pay too much for bad quality. I'm looking to spend no more than $300 for a whole set from the razor to cream. The websites that have "razor sets" that come with a strop and a brush are they worth it? Or would it be smarter to buy everything separate? Also, with the pre-shave cream and soaps I want a good quality. I know The art of shaving has a set of everything including preshave cream aftershave and another one for $100 is that too much money? If so what is another brand that is as good quality for a more reasonable price? Thanks

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.

Welcome aboard! I think my total start up costs were about $100 or so:

$50 for my Rodgers 5/8 square tip (from the Classifieds)
$35 for my Illiinois 208 strop from Classicshaving.com
$8 for a tub of Proraso soap
$5 for an alum block

I already had a good badger brush so I didnt need to worry about that.

I know the arguement has been made that you should purchase the best straight you can afford. Problem with this is that if, for whatever reason, SR shaving just isnt for you, you've just flushed $200+ down the drain. There are plenty of fine straights on WhippedDog or on the Classifieds for under $50. They'll arrive in shave ready shape for a minimal investment

Sorry about the RAD! I know how it feels, I almost have to physically restrain myself from buying on ebay when a nice one pops up!

Definately check out the classifieds to find the best deals until it's something you're sure you want to pursue. The main thing is to get a razor that is shave ready and that'll help you along your way to figuring out if it's something for you. If the used or vintage route doesn't suit your fancy then find a reputable vendor like SRD to make sure you're properly outfitted with shave ready. Hope this helps :)

Hey thanks everyone for the feedback. jumping into this without knowing all the info is something I didn't want to do. Great info and I can't wait to get this going!


Louis

there are plenty of options in your price range, so you can pick whatever you like, depending on your priorities. the important part is to have a razor that has been honed and tested by somebody who knows what they're doing, and not come with just the edge from the factory as those are typically not very good.

purchasing a set from the same vendor you'll probably get a little bit of a discount, but for the money you're spending you probably would rather prefer to change some of the items to upgraded/downgraded version.

make sure to read the sticky posts in this section and the links in them, that'll go a long way setting you on the path of success.

have fun

Whatever looks good at that price range, really. i'd suggest a half-hollow 5/8 round point, but you'll get used to whatever you get, really.

you're going to want to pick up a cheap strop, and later on buy a nicer one. you're going to nick it up, and you don't want to do that to a nicer one.

I actually have the $100 kit from the art of shaving, in sandlewood. i rather like the scent, but tell you the truth i don't really use the pre-shave oil, or the post-shave balm half the time. The shaving cream is quite good, and one tub can potentially last a year +. that can be had for $22 on it's own, and you can get an equal or nicer badger brush for $15 on ebay than the one from AoS.
Still, it's a decent luxurious all in one kit. bit pricey, and i got mine as a Christmas present.

Personally, if i was working within that budget and not using one of SRD's kits, i'd try and keep the razor <$150, leaving room for a $65 SRD strop, a cheap whippeddog poor man's strop to learn on ($19), a brush $15, shaving cream ($22), styptic pencil ($5), and a balm of your choice (~$20). That puts you in the $300 range. makes the SRD kits look good, actually.

better to just buy one of the dovo starter kits, pick up the shaving cream later on, and buy the Poor man's strop

I would agree, I had a similar budget to start and looked at the SRD kit, but because of my smaller than small bathroom with no place to hang a strop where it could be used I got he Duvo razor, the SRD, Lynn's design paddle strop, some poraso and a medium priced brush. Lots of options just make sure that first razor is shave ready so you know you have something that cuts well and you know it. I practice stropping with a plastic razor substitute and have not yet nicked my strop, the attractive feature of the paddle strop is the option to put the pasted felts on it and inexpensive replacement leather if you do damage it.

You've gotten great advice here -- any plan followed will lead to satisfaction, if you supply the perseverance.

Speaking only for myself, and knowing my inclinations are not everyone's, I would go for the 5/8 or 6/8 Dovo Best package from SRT and save $40 (put the money away in a safe place; if you're like most of us, you'll soon be sending it right along to Lynn and Don), and specify a 3" strop for a couple extra dollars. Stropping is critical, and one of the more difficult skills to master (and one of the most catastrophic if not mastered). Being able to run the full length of the blade is one variable taken out of the equation. If you find you enjoy this sport, you'll probably want a second razor soon, and can spend the balance of your budget on a Bismarck. If you really enjoy shaving with a straight, can't get enough of it, want to spend all your free time in the shave den, etc., you will certainly get interested in honing, and then your $300 startup will be akin to purchasing the front porch of a house -- then wanting to add three bedrooms, a couple of baths, living room, etc. There is no end until your banker drops you a line....