Thread: Beginners set cost?

I bought a razor from the classifieds for 35 (ready to shave), I went with an inexpensive shaving soap at about 8 bucks for a puck, I picked up a vegan strop for 70 (you can get a much cheaper one, but when you have special requirements, you have to pay), and I didn't pay for a brush, but they range from 10 - 200+. I'm using an old teacup for a shaving mug, so that was free.

Your best bet is Larry over at Whipped Dog Straight Razor Sales

He specializes in offering entry level razors, strops, etc. at rock bottom prices. He's well known and respected on the forum for helping new guys out and you can trust the razor will be honed properly.


for a bush, mug and soap, the cheapest but workable solution is this 8-12 buck brush set on amazon.
Amazon.com: Van Der Hagen Premium Shave Set (Soap, Bowl, Brush): Health & Personal Care



The brush is boar's hair and will fall out after a few months, but the soap is decent and the mug is... well... a mug.
But it's 10 bucks!


You can get better stuff once you get RAD.

Ninja edit: the one last thing you need that is not listed above is a brush stand to dry your brush. I took a wire coat hanger and pliers and just made one for free.

-go with whipped dog for your razor or pick up a vintage shave ready from the classifieds. -------should be under $40, $50 max
*******I started with a square point but recommend going with a round.
-get a VDH brush from CVS Walgreens or Walmart---$5
-pick up some Proraso/ CO Biglow from a Bath and Body works------$10 for the big tube. I recommend this over a soap as the ease of lathering for a new person.
-dont skimp on the strop get a whipped dog or a Rup Razor they're probably some of the best bang for your buck.-------$40
-Then get yourself a styptic pencil and witch hazel at just about any drugstore. ------------should be under $10 for both

Before you even think about shaving read the wiki. It will help so much. Feel free to ask any questions here I almost guarantee at least one person has had the issue. Remember to keep you angles under 30 and prep is your best friend. Good luck and welcome.

I'd recommend Larry at Whipped dog, he offers a sight unseen beginners package for $48 for a shave ready razor, a good strop, and a pasted balsa strop for later on down the road. Go to the local drug store and get the VDH soap (~$2) and a styptic pencil (~$1) to start. Use any old mug or bowl you already have to practice lathering. Larry also can get you a nice badger brush for under $10 with purchase of other items. Don't waste your money on the VDH boar brush, it's junk. I know that because I spent $10 on it at the drugstore, then bought a much nicer badger from Larry for about $5 and it totally blows it out of the water.
Send Larry an email, you'll be glad you did.

++1 on the previous advice. I would look in the SRP Classifieds first. There are currently a number of good quality razors there that are in the $50.00-$60.00 range.

My only addition to the previous advice would be to try and get a 3" wide strop, rather than the 2.5" wide strop from Larry or Ken Rup--if its available. It's easier for a beginner to strop a razor on a 3" than a 2.5."

Might I suggest a different route?
I have advised the above as well for many beginners, but there are other theories.
I would also suggest that you look into the beginner sets from Straight Razor Designs. The initial cost is higher, but the resale value is also much higher. If you find that this isn't your ball of wax you could sell your items for nearly what you paid for them provided you don't damage an item.
The other advantage is that if you find yourself enamored with this hobby like so many others have, then you have no need to repurchase something later as you advance past the entry level equipment.