Done my research, next step...

So I've spent the last week or so thoroughly reading through the wiki FAQ/articles/pdfs and I'm watching Lynn's DVD as I post this. I think I have a pretty good foundation of knowledge to get started. As a side note, some of the links on the FAQ (for suggested products, etc..) are out of date and no longer working.

I'm a college student, so I'm doing the "buying on a budget" scheme. I've tried taking a look at some of the recommendation/review threads, but for some reason I don't have permission (http://straightrazorpalace.com/razor-reviews/)? From reading other posts, it seems like Whipped Dog is a good choice. Either that, or I was going to cough up the money and go with a DOVO Best Quality 6/8. I've looked into some of the DIY articles, and will probably end up making a cheap strop, unless I go the Whipped Dog route. As for the rest of the products, I was thinking about going with the Van Der Hagen soap/bowl/brush combo. I read that if I get the razor truly shave ready, I could hold off on a wetstone/honing for a little bit (as they are kinda pricey).

So, what do you guys suggest I go with? I want to make sure I'm not going too cheap and sacrificing the shave experience (and my face). I want to make sure the blade I buy is truly shave ready and the rest of the equipment will ensure a quality shave. On another side note, I have about $75 in amazon gift cards from donating blood, so it would be nice to get some of my products from there (or I was thinking about just putting that towards the wetstone when the time came).

Thanks for your feedback!

Well it is a matter of choice and finances. Larry at whippeddog will sell you a decent, shave ready razor that might not be a great looker but it will work very well. other vendors and in the classified you might find similar starter combo sets for a bit more to quite a bit more but the razor will be more visually appealing.
the VDH brush and soap or williams soap will be ok, that is all you need besides the razor and strop.

enjoy,
jim

Thanks syslight, right now, aesthetics isn't too big of a concern for me. I've looked into making scales and it doesn't seem like too much of a daunting task if I decide I want something a little more pleasing on the eyes (it actually looks quite fun). Looks like Whippeddog is my best bet for now.

Anything I should be concerned about when ordering? For example, as a beginner, should I be concerned about the blade width/size when ordering from a "sight unseen deal?"

from what i've seen and know of Larry's work he deals alot on 5/8 round points, which is an excellent starting place. he does try and fullfill size requests.
most razor are either 5/8 or 6/8 popular points are round, spike (with the point muted) and notched just let him know that you are a new guy and he will probably have some suggestions.

jim

I can definitely recommend both whippeddog and the VDH set (I still use the brush and stand in my rotation).

Quote:

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Originally Posted by syslight

he does try and fullfill size requests...
..just let him know that you are a new guy and he will probably have some suggestions.

jim

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Excellent. I'll do that. Looks like I'm getting green lights all around, I'm going to go with Larry and the VDH set, thanks again for your feedback guys.

I don't think you can go wrong with any of those choices. Make sure you get the Dovo from a place that sells them professionally honed though SRD or Vintage Blades llc are two. I looooove Larry at whipped dog. One of my best shaving (if not the best) came from him. I would also suggest you look at the Classifieds here. Congrats on the research. Not all of us were smart enough to go that route lol.

I can’t say anything about the Whipped Dog offer since I’ve never gone that route. But I’ve heard no complaints about it. However, one thing new guys never seem overly interested in is the member sales here on this site. And that’s unfortunate because there is often some really great blades available for someone who is just getting started. If you haven’t spent any time looking through what is available, I recommend you do. And, as I always point out, I have nothing to gain from your choice as I am not a seller.

If you go with the sight unseen deal from Larry at whipped dog and find that straight razor shaving is not for you, then you haven't invested a ton of money. If you find that straight razor shaving is right for you then this will not be your only razor, rather just a first of many. Strops, soaps, brushes, mugs, and hones will be added to your collection. Good luck with your journey and remember to take it slow. It's definitely worth it.