I've been shaving with different disposables for years and I think I want to start straight razor shaving, now here's my question. Outside of the blades and the straight razor, what other things are a must have? Do you HAVE to have a strop kit? What prevents the straight from going rusty or do they even go rusty?
I honestly would like to just use a blade a few times then get rid of it like a disposable razor. How many shaves can you get from a straight razor? With disposables it's about 3-5.
Welcome to SRP. Most of your questions can be answered here in the SRP library 'beginner's guide'. Briefly, aside from the razor you'll need a strop. I prefer a hanging strop but if space or traveling is a consideration paddle strops work too and some guys prefer those. Of course a shaving brush and pucks of soap or jars of cream ..... after shaves , are the way to go too. The vendors ads you see posted on top or side will show you razor/strop sets.
I usually recommend an entry level Dovo since you can't go wrong with a new razor. The SRP classifieds has used razors put up by members here. Whatever you do, make sure the razor is shave ready no matter where you get it from. How many shaves depends on your razor, beard, shave technique. There is a learning curve before you get satisfactory results but it is worth the time spent.
Corrosion won't be a problem if you take care of the razor. Wipe it down after use and don't keep it in a humid environment. I believe most of that is covered in the beginner's guide. :gl:
You MUST have the razor shave ready (if you are getting one that uses disposable blades, you will be fine). You must have a strop (unless you use disposable blades).
Most people want a good lather and that is really a second set of tool IMO. Any decent bowel, some cream or soap, and generally a brush is desired.
Many guys will use an oil wipe (mineral oil or similar) to prevent rust.
Disposable blades are variable as to how many shaves you can get from one. A conventional straight razor properly cared for will offer MANY shaves (I am using my grandfather's old razor that he used daily for years and bought second hand...and it should easily serve me and a few more generations)
Search the FAQs and you can learn a lot here. Welcome aboard!
+1 to what unit said.
Basic minimum.
Honestly if you want to start cheap with the brush look for some at your local grocery or dept. store. I found Van Der Hagen and Burma-Shave brands every where for really cheap.
Also you might want to look into a Styptic Pencil. Found in shaving sections of dept. stores. Helps with the eventual nicks while learning.
If you get a straight you have to be prepared to do a lot more maintenance than just tossing a blade every three to five shaves. For that you can get a shavette or a feather artist.
The only thing you truly need is a strop. I believe you will also want a brush and soap. Down the road you also may want a hone or two.
Michael
Not really much to add except supporting what's already been said.
The feather artist club is a bit pricy, but an excellent disposable straight. I would expect blades for it to last about the same as your current disposables.
If you go with a real straight that doesn't use disposables, a strop is absolutely required. Hanging or paddle seems to be mostly preference.
I would also consider a styptic pencil a requirement for starting out.
Bowl/soap/cream/brush are nice to have, fun & make for a better shave once you're good at lathering up, but you can get by with just the aerosol gel/cream you've got for now. Just don't skimp on any of the prep. Hot towels, rubbing the lather into your whiskers, etc...