Starting on the Cheap

By cheap I mean less expensive of course, not as in low quality. At first when I started looking into straight razors it was kinda disapointing, it seemed like eveything I could afford was of such low quality that it wasnt worth getting. Then after about a 2 weeks of reading the forums here I found a way to get started even on my budget. I'm happy to say that I just got my first straight yesterday. I got a Sight Unseen Deal from Whipped dog. Whipped Dog Straight Razor Shaving Equipment It cost $55 and came with the poor mans strop kit. I picked up Van Der Hagen Premium Shave Set from the local drug store for $10.50. I know non of this is new out of the box top of the line, but for just starting out it's not bad IMHO for someone on a tight budget. (Like myself) Here are some picks.
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Not a bad start for $65.50 if you ask me. Truth be told The Sight Unseen Deal was a given to me as a gift, so my total start up cost was $10.50. Can't wait to try out the razor this weekend.

I think it's a good way to get started. I also used Larry's sight unseen deal. Welcome to the forum. Someone will be along shortly to explain everything I'm sure. So I'll just say it's good to see another SR user taking the plunge. Welcome!

looks like a good start, good luck man! You'll be hooked soon. Just watch the stropping and be mindful not to roll the edge. That's a quick way to take a shave ready razor to un-shaveable. It's all in the stickies.

When's the first shave?

You got a nice razor , there . Morley's are good razors , and that "dog" doesn't look like it was whipped too hard :D . Van Der Hagen is great soap , for the money , but their brush IMHO is junk . At least the one I had was junk , the bristles were okay , except they kept falling out every time I used it .
Except for the brush , I think you did quite well .

I started my wetshaving journey 3 years ago with a VdH brush/soap/bowl just like yours. YMMV, but it's decent soap and should give you good results. Good luck!

There are more of us whipped dogs than you might imagine. it just keeps getting better.

Most of us start out cheaper, but we get hooked on the habit which keeps us spending more. But if I am going to spend my money atleast it is on something I love to do!

RedBranch,
Morley is a good brand, and the VDH brush and dish are good enough. I don't see the soap or cream you use, though. Either way, you have a reasonably priced set up. I'd call that a good start.

I agree that Morleys are great shavers. I have five and they all give me great shaves. Enjoy learning how to shave with a straight razor. It's a passion that can last you for the rest of your life.

+1 to Whipped dog, I started with the sight unseen deal as well, and even with all the razors I have accumulated, it is still one of my favorites in rotation :)

what you have is a great start to straight shaving. to be honest, nothing more is needed. alot of us here are very excessive in everything we buy. but to be a true straight shaver all you need is 1 razor, a strop, and some lather. a hone may be neccesary or having it sent out. everything else that is added is just a luxury for everyone. hope all lgoes welll :)

First shave should be Saturday, I want to make sure I can take my time with the prep and the shave. The soap I'm using right now came with the VDH shave set. I'm looking to try the Old Navy from Queen Charlotte Soaps as I like my Old Navy cologne and could use the wooden soap bowl.

Good luck on Saturday. Watch the videos. Read ands think about what you're going to do. Remember ... You don't have to do it 'all' on Saturday. Do as much as you feel comfortable doing. Sunday's another day!(:-)

Nice set... really. I love the look of vintage blades.

Just hope that point doesnt bite ya! Be verrrrry careful with it... yet confident.