The biggest investment is getting the right razors, which unfortunately is a trial and error kind of deal at least for me. I am not a collector so something like a 7 day set is what I am aiming for. Good thing is one can always unload the razors they do not like, same with soaps. Also one can never go wrong with proven brands like Tabac, TOBS etc. As far as savings, a year worth of Gillette cartridges is equal to a nice razor, that will last a lifetime or two.