Greetings from DFW Texas

I have been wanting to start shaving with a straight razor for quite some time now. The only thing that has been stopping me right now is lack of equipment. I've been reading the wiki on this sight. So I think I have a semi understanding of what I need. I understand the theory behing straight razor shaving. I just need to get it into practice now.

The assistance I need is finding equipment. I am on a budget and a lot of the places that have brand new stuff is really expensive. From what I've found/read it would seem the antique stuff is tons cheaper. If anyone's willing to help me out with a "beginners kit" that would be appreciated.

Looking forward to sharing my experiences on this forum.

Welcome!

In order to get started you need four things: A razor, a strop, a brush and some soap or cream.

In terms of the razor, check the classifieds here. You're far more likely to get a good razor from there than from an antique store where you may inadvertantly get a razor that is not in usable condition, or overpaying. Its generally advised that people avoid auctions and antique stores until they know what they are looking for and have an idea of the value of the razors they are looking at.

For the strop, Straight Razor Designs sell a great line of strops, as does Tony Miller and RupRazor do a cheap beginners strop as well. Check these sites out and see if you can find something in your budget.

For the brush and soap, I would recommend checking the Vendors Corner here as there are several highly skilled soap/cream makers here (CarrieM and Mama Bear to name just two of them) who sell excellent products that are very well priced. You can get brushes from a wide range of sources for only a few dollars. I believe WalMart sell a servicable brush for under $5 that works well.

Hopefully that will help you get a good beginners set together! :)

Its great that you have been reading the Wiki, this will help you on your way.

Good luck and keep us posted!

Welcome to SRP ! :gl:

Welcome to SRP.. take your time and read the Wiki for lots of useful info

Well, I'm on my way. I bought this blade from Muirtach. Now I'm just awaiting shipping. I got me some Van der Hagen soap at wal-mart. Oddly enough could not find a shaving brush. They had the soap but no brush. So I found on Amazon a Tweezerman brush. I have a strop that I bought a while back when I first wanted to start shaving.(I just never got around to getting anything else). So as soon as I get all this equipment then I will let you know how everything goes.

Hello, Mendedslinky:

Welcome to Straight Razor Place.

Regards,
Obie