Pre-post shave accessories essentials

I'm new to straight shaving (have yet to actually straight shave) and although I've done quite a bit of research on straight razors, and strops; I really don't know much at all about shaving oils, soaps, syptic pens, brushes, etc. I've tried to search for a basic package with all accessories included but the only packages I've found include a straight razor, and I'm in the market for a vintage one to start out with, and already have a strop. Anyway, looking for some idea of what's really necessary for shaving and what are reasonable price ranges, as well as quality brands for pre shaving and post shaving products. Thanks in advance.

All you need are a shave ready razor, strop, soap or cream, brush and water. If you do not opt for a shave ready razor, you will also need a hone. All else is luxury. A styptic pencil is useful, but you can get along with out one (you will just bleed longer).

essential is shaving soap, brush and aftershave
And ofcourse the shave ready razor and strop
For AS i would strongly suggest a non alcoholic balm or creme

While it may not be an essential item in the future, I believe as a new shaver, a good astringent and aftershave balm are essential. I recommend an alum block followed by a soothing balm. This will help cure the razor burn that will inevitably follow your first shaves.

Thanks, no idea where to get shaving soaps (besides random internet sites), any advice would be much appreciated

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Originally Posted by Fbones24

While it may not be an essential item in the future, I believe as a new shaver, a good astringent and aftershave balm are essential. I recommend an alum block followed by a soothing balm. This will help cure the razor burn that will inevitably follow your first shaves.

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Personally, I never experienced any serious razor burn. My original statement stands.

As a fellow newbie, I'm trying to stick to the cheaper stuff at first; I figure once I get my technique down solidly I can start to experiment with different soaps and creams to figure out what really works for me. As for a really solid starter-package, since you already have the razor, strop and brush down, for just a few dollars you could start with:

Soap- Van der Hagen can be found at nearly any CVS, Rite-Aid, Wal-Mart, etc for $3-4

Cream- C.O. Bigelow was the best and easiest to get my hands on. It's basically re-branded Proraso and can be had for $5 (small-ish tube) or $10 (big tube) at Bath & Bodyworks. The menthol is wonderful and it's nice to go out and physically take a look rather than getting genuine Proraso online.

AS- Pinaud, Aqua Velva (the normal cool blue or a very nice musk version), and classic Old Spice can all be had at any of the above pharmacies for just a few bucks and are not only classic staples that belong in every man's medicine cabinet, but some of the best around as far as I've seen.

ASB- I especially like the Nivea ASBs and have used these frequently even back in my dark (Mach 3) ages. They're excellently moisturizing and smell very nice, though if you'll be using them in conjunction with an alcohol-based AS splash (I do, and prefer the AS first for the cooling/tightening effect, and maybe a little on top of the ASB as well just for scent, though as far as I can tell there is no consensus at all on which order to utilize them in), I'd recommend the one with the yellow label (sorry, but I can't think of the official name) as it's basically unscented and won't interfere with the AS; if not, the scent in the regular line is very nice, though mild, all by itself.

All this "software" (as opposed to the "hardware of shave-ready razor, brush and strop) can be had for MAYBE a grand total of $10 at any big-box retailer or pharmacy, and provide really more than you can need to get started in grand style, with PLENTY of room to experiment with all sorts of differentiations once you get nice and comfy with your technique. I've used the King of Shaves oil found at all these places and found it pretty much completely extraneous, but if you insist on using one, that would be the option to go with at first. You can also substitute the Neutrogena or Gillette products that will be right next to the Nivea if you want, and any way you slice it, have all the accessory-type stuff you need for less than the price of a big lunch at McDonalds and still be right up there with the $100/bottle stuff as far as quality and performance. f

Good luck! And remember to worry about technique much more about your technique than the products!