Lookin' for info and recommendations

Hey all, I'm Scott, and I've never used a straight razor... I've heard good things about it, the level of satisfaction that comes from a good straight shave, but I've been a bit leary about dropping a couple hundred dollars to get a quality piece of steel as well as the necessary (or wanted) bits and bobs to make sure that I don't short myself and find I don't like it because I didn't get quality. Can anybody recommend a good site for picking up all the goodies I'll need (soap, bowl, brush, etc). I've done some looking through the classifieds here and it seems that I can probably save a bit of $$ by picking up a pre-owned razor, and for that, I'm glad. Also, so you all know, unfortunately any recommendations to "run to Walmart" or anything like that will not work for me as I'm stationed in Germany. And no, I have not yet made it to Solingen, though I'm thinking about making a trip, there has to be a couple shops there to pick up some stuff, but its on the other side of the country. Anyhow, I wanted to say Hi and give a quick into, though it seems to be a bit longer than intended... Thanks for any help that y'all can give.

I'm sure SRD will supply you everything you need. I don't know any shops in Germany but if you wanted something a bit closer to your location (ie within Europe), I can highly recommend

Introduction to razors

based in England. They have various starter kits available at various prices. They appear to be out of stock of their own Invisible Edge classic razor at present (which I've been more than happy with), but they've always had the option of having a different straight with the starter kits anyway & they seem to have the Dovo's available, & you can't go wrong with a Dovo.

I agree SRD will be the best. Since you are in Germany though I would check out Revisor. I love their razor's and buying/shipping in Germany as apposed to the US would save you almost 50 dollars with shipping and tax! Then get all of your other things (strop, shaving soaps/cream, brush) from SRD. This is however if you are not looking to get the best bang for your buck (which again would be SRD).

Love SRD. They are great guys and truly care about your satisfaction. The prices are right and its all quality. Another option is finding a vintage blade on the cheap to try out before you invest a bunch of money for something you may or may not like. If you decide to go this route I would check out the member classifieds here on this site or go to Whipped Dog Straight Razor Shaving Equipment and check out some of his deals. Whipped dog has vintage but quality stuff and they come professionally honed. You can also pick up a strop or complete kit cheap. I have used him several times and have yet to be let down. If you cannot find anyone in your area I know he does ship over seas.

Well I feel a bit better now. I sometimes hesitate to buy online without getting recommendations from specific websites, I'd already spent quite some time on the SRD website, I'm really impressed with their products, but it seems that right now many of their razors are out of stock. I'd checked out the InvisibleEdge folks a few months ago when I first considered wet-shaving, they have pretty good looking products too. And since both were recommended and pretty well agreed upon, I think it's about time I treat myself to something nice (and a styptic pencil just in case).

A styptic is definitely recommended, as is an Alum block - good for extra grip for the face guerning...sorry stretching, & as an anti-irrititant post shave.

Here's my recommendations for styptic:

I really like the Proraso Styptic Gel, 10 ml product - I purchased it off Amazon for around $10.00.

I also use the Alum Block 110gr - Shavex product which was $20.00, also purchased off Amazon.

As much as I love SRD, I would also like to point you in the possible direction ofhttps://www.vintagebladesllc.com/, I got a GREAT deal on a full kit last month when I first started this amazing journey of wet shaving. everything came exactly as promised and they even threw in the Styptic pencil for free!!! :D