Thread: Beginners set cost?

Hello everyone,

This is my first post on the forums and sorry if this question has been answered before. I have been interested in using a straight razor for while, but I am not wanting to spend a lot of money just to find out that I don't like it. Can anyone let me know how much I can expect to spend to get started and if anyone can suggest a decent starters setup that would also be great. Thank you all and i look forward to hearing back.

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.

Originally Posted by mattconn24

...but I am not wanting to spend a lot of money just to find out that I don't like it...

I wouldn't worry about that, you'll like it, believe me, you'll like it...

I'd get a vintage shave ready razor (I got mine from the Bay, but I think I was lucky, in hindsight I probably would have been safer getting it from here, but I found this site after, and vintage is just my pers pref), some Proraso, a GOOD-ish brush (even if you give up straight razor shaving you can still use it, even if to spread canned cream over your dial so you can shave with your 7 blade plastic contraption if you wish), a strop (I'm finding a rather narrow Dovo OK as a beginner), and grab a vessel any vessel for the bowl (a large tea cup would work; you can even use your cupped hand). I think if you buy a nice shave ready vintage razor here and find you don't like straight razor shaving (What? Are you NUTS???) you can always sell it again here. For ME, new razors have less appeal than vintage, but that might just be me...you know, SOME people out there just collect them and don't use them (What? Are they NUTS???) and a vintage razor would appeal to therefore maybe a wider audience on resale...

As a newbie myself, the best advice I could give, with my 'first time' clearly in my memory, is, GO LIGHTLY and make SURE it's actually shave ready...As a newbie you won't be able to tell this, so you'll need to rely on the statements from the seller, or get it honed after you buy it and before you shave...(sorry for the long reply; I got carried away...)

Thank you all for you advice and help. I think I have decided to get the sight unseen set from Larry over at Whipped Dog. I have emailed him a couple of time and he has been fast to respond and very informative and it looks like no one can beat his price for an all you need set. Thanks again.

Check it
Shopping list for beginners - Straight Razor Place Wiki