Hullo!

2. I've recently started shaving using a Feather replaceable blade straight (I believe it qualifies as a shavette, but I'm a bit new at this) and personally I couldn't be happier. The Feather uses specific blades, but the packs of 20 are $16.00 on Amazon.com, pretty cheap all things considered (I've been getting about 7-10 shaves per blade, though my beard is only moderately heavy). The Feather isn't the cheapest option available, but I've always felt you get what you pay for.

3. The Art of Shaving disappointed me to be honest. For what they charge I expected a bit more. therealjohnkeel kinda nailed it in his review (I visited the Chicago store and got the same feeling has him), so I won't beat the dead horse.

4. Coming from another new shaver, I'm 50-50 on the pre/post shave products. Hot shower, mix some good lather (about $15 for a cake of soap and about $40 for a brush), hot towel on the face for a few mins, lather up and shave. After, splash on cold water, use an alum block (~$5) and Nivea unscented aftershave (~$7). I tried the pre-shave oil (~$5), but when I've skipped it I honestly haven't noticed that much of a difference. I'd say start with the basics, and then buy the extras if you feel it's needed.