So, let's put aside the fact that its tough to pass up a razor. In fact, I bought a brand new Dovo from the AoS, got connected with Obie to have him hone it for me, and walked out of his residence with another $100 straight. Restraint is difficult. I'm promising myself to stop at 2 (at least until I pick up my honed razor from Obie mid-week).

I got started on straights two months ago when I tried some Art of Shaving products. I ended up getting the pre-shave, cream, balm, and alum block. This is nearly $100 to start, $200 for the razors, a scuttle from Robert Becker for $35, some other mugs that I couldn't pass up at a local antique shop, an IRS 127 for $35 and a $23 honing.

However, continuos research on this site yielded some cheaper alternatives. Today I bought VDH soap, witch hazel, and pinaud clubman all for $23 to see if that will work.

So, I'm looking at my stock. Two real good, serviceable razors, a strop, plenty of mugs, an expensive set of products (for my Sunday shaves, and my cheaper set for my weekday shaves)...someone tell me I can stop!

Does anyone use face wash and warm water for prep, VDH, witch hazel and clubman as their routine? I would like to avoid the expensive products and put that money into quality shaving brushes or razors. I will probably still bring out the alum for the nasty ones I still get (I'm only 2-3 months in still).

By the way, anyone in the Milwuakee area, Obie is your man.