Hello, everybody! I am also new to straight razor shaving. A couple weeks ago, I purchased a basic Personna Magic shavette along with a pack of derby "half blades" for it. I figure that while I would like to learn straight razor shaving, this is a cheaper way in case I do not like the experience. Well, I have to say that I do and am doing pretty well in learning. I think that with some more practice, I'll be ready to move up to a true straight. It is really not that hard. But just like learing to drive a manual transmission, it takes time to get your technique perfected.
Like others, I have been fed up with the increasing costs and decreasing quality of cartridge razors. I thought of going the DE route and I probably would have been happy. But I wanted to learn what, for the most part, is a lost art.
So after lurking here for a few weeks and getting a good idea for a good soap and brush combo, i ordered a puck with the bowl of Mitchell's Wool Fat soap along with an Omega Pro boar brush. I must say that it is worlds apart from that aerosol junk I have used in years past!
Anyway, I'm sure I'll be drawing upon everybody's knowledge as I continue to learn and eventually master the straight razor.