Gentlemen,

If you were to go away to a quaint chateau in Province or to a rustic cottage in Scotland to write your long awaited novel, what shave kit would you take along?

The products should be reasonably priced and accessible, not some $10,000 straight razor you've always dreamed about. Down-to-earth, realistic products. Straight razors only, please. Here is my choice, which is within my means and simple tastes:

1. Straight razor: Thiers-Issard Flying Tudor Rose 5/8 with snakewood scales (what the hell, I finally ordered this from Classic Shaving).
2. Brush: Medium-sized Edwin Jagger silver tip.
3. Shave cream: Taylor of Bond Street Rose (or you may substitute soap).
4. Coolant: Thayer's super witch hazel.
5. Balm: Trumper coral skin food.
6. Aftershave: Trumper Spanish Leather (or you may substitute cologne).
7. Free choice: Whatever I might have left off.
8. Good medicine: Single malt scotch.

Now I'm ready to begin the novel: "It was a cold and rainy day . . ."

Regards,

Obie