Quote Originally Posted by mrdubs View Post
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.
Just think about how much money you will no longer be spending on multiblade razors and canned goo. And when you get the straight mastered, you'll no longer feel like your face was slapped silly by a wet hand on a cold windy day.