Thread: Step in the right direction?

It's a good set. The razor is very good as is the strop.

Think about what you need, your room and what you will be doing. Think about your skill set. For example a 3" wide strop is easier to use because you can simply use a straight up and down stroke instead of an "X" pattern. Now you might be good with a 2" strop so you may not need to pay for the wider strop.

I think the SRD modular paddle is very hard to beat and IMO unbeatable value for money. I got it because my bathroom is modern and doesn't have fittings that I could use a hanging strop off. It can be upgraded as your skills improve or if you make a newbie mistake replacing a panel is cheaper than replacing a strop.

You will need a brush, and probably a mug or bowl, although mugs and bowls can be improvised until you feel the need to get a specialist item.

I know a lot of people recommend getting a razor for function with your first razor. I would recommend buying for looks, I think that you want to form an emotional attachment to the razor, something that you'll love to use and that will make you feel good every time you pick it up. Have a look in the classifieds here to see if there's anything in your price range that really grabs your fancy.

Then you'll need a second razor, and a third, and some sharpening stones and maybe some more razors and ...

I suppose what I am getting to is saying that the set is good value on the face of it, but if you end up buying replacements or not using it then it isn't good value

That is a good set. But I agree that a good brush and some good soap or shave cream will enhance the shaveing a lot. SRP is a great site you can email them with questions and they will be more that glad to help you along they are good people.