Hey all,

This forum has provided me the inspiration and information to give this a shot. I placed my order last night through SRD, starting out with some basics:

* 5/8 black Best Quality Straight Razor Kit w/3" red Latigo strop and Lavender SRD shave soap and Simpson B4 brush. I decided for a cheaper first razor. Everything you guys have posted suggests this razor has a high quality edge that will shave well without extra frills. I figure if I can have some success after a few months, I can always look at a different razor down the road.

* Alum block and styptic pencil (hey, it was cheap so why not get both and see what I like). I wanted the alum block for traction while stretching the skin.

* Musgo shave oil. If I'm going to get into this, I want to protect my face in every possible way!

* Thayer's Witch Hazel (no alcohol toner). From what I've read it sounds like this can help keep down razor burn which I will inevitably get early on.

* Castle Forbes after shave balm

I anticipate taking this process slowly, watching Lynn's DVD before I get started at all. I've already watched just about every youtube video there is for str8 razor shaving and read most of the Wiki info about blade angle, light pressure, technique, etc.

I will start just shaving my sideburn and/or cheek area WTG as suggested by most of the Sr. members on here. I fully expect tugging and a very mediocre shave and know that it will get better from there.

Thanks again to all of you. As so many have said, I hope to go from having to shave to wanting to shave.