I've always wanted one and now that I have one I need to know what to do.

I recently received I straight razor and strop as a gift along with a video on everything a beginner needs to know. The problem is I'm pretty sure I need more then just that to get started. I've been researching all night what to get and where, and how to get nice quality items without paying $450 for the really nice P........ company badger brush I found. I'd like to make this a life style change but I need some advice where to start. One day I will probably get the P-brush just not now. I have the following razors and from what I've seen none of them will do where quality meets price. The first is a Wilbert Cutlery Co. Chicago High Art blade with a few nicks in the blade handed down from my great-great grand dad that I would like to get refinished professionally so I can use it ( if possible). The second is a pretty rusted Engelswerk Diamant Stahl from my girl that I would also like repaired professionally. And the last was the one she got me for use now that is the "blade to avoid" Gold Dollar. It was really nice of her to get me one but after reading all the info I'd like to get a nice useable one for now and send the other two off for work. Does anyone know where I can send them for quality work? Glad I found this site and any info for newbies is welcomed. Look forward to my first shave out of the barber chair.

You don't need to spend that much money to get started. It sounds like you need
to get a brush and some shaving soap. You can get a Van der Hagen "set" at
almost any drug store/discount chain (Walmart, CVS), for about $15 or less.

Also, you need to get your razors honed by a pro, for about $15-20 each. Check
the "Member Services" link on this website.

Don't worry about anything else right now. Just get started with decent equipment,
and worry about all the other stuff later.

There will be plenty of opportunities to spend money....later.

Just get the basics for now, but a professionally sharpened razor is a MUST!
Read all the wikis on this website, ask all the questions you like, and...

Good luck.

Paul

++1 on PaulKidd's advice. You can get a decent brush and shaving soap at any local Walmart or Walgreen's to get started,

To insure a pleasurable straight razor experience, however, it is absolutely essential to get your razors honed by a person who knows what they are doing. Check the SRP Classifieds and find a person nearby your location who can do this for you.