Thread: A bit of research finding me still clueless

As a beginner the only issue you should be worried about is this: Is the razor shave ready and done by a competent honer? If you purchase a non-shave-ready razor, you will have to invest substantial sums into hones, lapping stones or lapping hones, learn the techniques of honing and then learn how to strop. Or, for $25 to $30, you can send the razor out for honing. So add those costs into to your calculations. Also, you will have to wait for the razor to get to you, send it off for honing and wait for its return.

With a shave ready razor you are up and running the day it arrives. Of course, you need a brush, shaving soap/cream and the likes which can be cheap or expensive. I have heard nothing but favorable things about Whipped Dog. But here is my recommendation: Lynn, the founder of SRP, sells complete shave ready razor kits that includes everything you need. I do not have the link for his site but maybe another member will jump in and post it. Since you are fretting over $9 between two different options, I doubt you will take my advice to consider spending $125 dollars. I will honestly like to hear back about the path you took and see what you actually invested in the long run.

All the best with your decision,
Randy