Getting into shaving on a budget

I don't have huge amounts of money, but I'd like a 'proper' straight razor. The I can quite often find a good value razor, but then getting a stop as well just destroys my budget. Or vice versa.

A solution might be to buy a razor and stop from the states (im in the UK) but how much would it then cost to get it honed etc over here? I'm pretty sure I've seen honeing services offered for $20 - seems like fantastic value to me.

something like this seems like a pretty ok deal, you couldn't find something like this available on ebay UK.

Straight edge razor Wapienica and 14in Strop - eBay (item 260383050296 end time Mar-31-09 21:15:03 PDT)

1 of the razor is worth money wapy but next one God knows what is it.ask questions about second razor Pictures are bad condition to find out what this seller really selling.he mentions razor restore but not specific part of it.what has been restored handle blade etc.better ask questions before you decide to buy.the best way to you buy cheapest shave ready razor will be classified section in srp check it out if it is not in there today will be tomorrow be patient.

I will email him I think, I wondered if the second one was a Double Arrow.

It certainly looks like buying in the states will prove cheaper.

As far as the strop you'll find quality and good value here: The Well Shaved Gentleman The Heirloom Razor Strop Company : Home
I'll be buying my next strop when he reopens at the end of the month.

Yer, I've read about his stops before. They seem to get very good feedback on here.

may i recommend Ruprazor.com I'm also in the uk and his prices seem excellent he only charges $10 for postage here, you just have to hope you dont get a £15 customs charge like i did GRRRRRRRRRRR