Thread: Advice on Beginner Kit

Hello All,

This is my first post and first time visiting the site... I've recently taken an interest in straight shaving and would like to purchase a great starter kit. There are several out there, but given my lack of knowledge I wanted to get some advice. In other hobbies, it seems that pre-prepared kits aren't usually as nice as maybe building my own kit by specific pieces bought individually. I would like to buy pieces that are reasonably priced, but of good quality. Price point isn't as much of an issue as is quality. I would prefer to purchase items I can keep for many years. I take very good care of everything that I own.

Advice on sites to visit to purchase these items, brands to buy (as well as to be wary of), things to think about, etc... Oh! Also, approximate price I should expect to pay for quality items; strops, razors, brushes, etc.

Thanks for taking the time to read my post and I look forward to your feedback. Anything you want to offer that I may have neglected to think of is welcome as well.

Stephen

Welcome to SRP Stephan

If you are State side Straight Razor designs is a very safe bet, their starter kit is one that is put together with quality items.
There is also a lot of latitude in upgrading said kit. If you pick up the phone Don or Lynn will answer any questions you have.

Vintage Blades, Classic edge, well pretty much any of the vendors here. Just be sure the razor is Pro honed, a shave ready factory edge is not shave ready.

Hit up the Library linked at the top and do a bit of reading, it will help immensely with making decisions on what you would like to start with.
It will also give you some great tips on preparing for and starting off on your journey into wet shaving.

And as always feel free to ask any questions that arise.

Pat

I agree 100% with the beginner kit from Staight Razor Designs for the razor and strop. You can pick the soap/cream and brush separately. I bought mine in September. The people are very friendly and helpful, and do not try to oversell you. You'll also be 100% confident that your razor is shave ready. I would upgrade to the 3" Latigo strop - it's worth the modest additional cost. Good luck!

Are you in the US or elsewhere?

I live in Nashville, TN

Originally Posted by stephenneil

I live in Nashville, TN

Just a long hop then neighbor!
I am over in Bristol kitty corner from the track.

Originally Posted by pfries

Welcome to SRP Stephan

If you are State side Straight Razor designs is a very safe bet, their starter kit is one that is put together with quality items.
There is also a lot of latitude in upgrading said kit. If you pick up the phone Don or Lynn will answer any questions you have.

And as always feel free to ask any questions that arise.

This! - I'd also suggest that if you are new to stropping and you have the budget to call SRP and ask about replacing the hanging strop with a modular paddle in a kit.

Enjoy - the learning curve can be frustrating but the end result is worth it.

Originally Posted by GC7

This! - I'd also suggest that if you are new to stropping and you have the budget to call SRP and ask about replacing the hanging strop with a modular paddle in a kit.

Enjoy - the learning curve can be frustrating but the end result is worth it.

Or at least the SRD paddle strop, which I have and love. It takes some of the variables out of stropping. Bottom line through is that you can't beat SRD, the Classic Edge, or any of the advertisers on SRP!

+1 on SRD kits where you can pick and choose upgrades you want....

+1 on SRD. The modular paddle or one of the strops with replaceable pieces is the way to go so when you nick it learning its easy to replace. This way you have a quality strop you can keep in great condition. It's probably best to start with the basics as soon enough the acquisition disorders will kick in and you will have 5 of everything.