New From Tacoma

I'm super excited to be going down the road of the Straight Razor. I have been suffering with cartridge razors ever since I started shaving at 14(my father blessed me with his amazing genes to grow lots of hair.) I also have a mild case of eczema that comes and goes on my cheeks and neck( this can be very uncomfortable at times.) As I am new to the art of straight razor shaving I have been trying to do my homework before I begin. I have an incredibly tight budget and will very very slowly be getting to items that I need. I have already begun with changing my habits of pre shave face prep. I will be buying my first non-canned shave cream and a brush in the next day or so. I'm planning on getting C.O. Bigelow Shave Cream. Would a soap and or a different brand be better? I'm also thinking about getting a pack of BIC 1 Sensitive razors mostly because because they fit the budget better than a safety or a straight for starters and they might help me realize what a single blade feels like. Anyother economical ideas on how to economicly merge into the SR way? This will be enough to get me started as I'm sure that I will have many more questions along the way.

I'm all ears!

I forgot to answer one more of your answers. As far as soap or cream, It's a matter of what works for you. Every kind of soap or cream is different and works differently with everyone's skin. It's a crap shoot and all I can tell you is to experiment with each until you find one that works specifically for you. I've been using the block of Williams shaving soap for a lousy $1.50 and lasts about 3 months for me.

Whoever you decide to by a razor from, make sure to find out if the razor is shave ready (AKA, Professionaly honed or sharpened). If it is not, you will need to hone it or get it honed.