i appreciate everyones input.

twilliger do you love shaving with a straight because u can very the angle and get a perfect shave as compared to a great shave with a DE razor?

As far as brushes I think I will go with Fine Badger Shaving Brush. $50 http://www.leesrazors.com/brushes.htm . I think I will also use soap instead of cream.

1) I was wondering however if I should get a less expensive badger brush because I wouldn't be using cream?

As far as a safety razor I have a few questions. I'm considering to jsut go with the Merkur slant bar model , but from the picture it appears taht the razor has teeth which I thought was for ppl w/ thicker hair/ beards?

2) If it is for ppl with beards then I will most likely go for the Merkur safety razor with bar.

as far as razors I think I will just go with some derby razors.

3) Any recomendations for soaps, aftershave, and balm?