Thread: Getting started on the cheap?

Hey all'
I am new to the S/R game and I have questions. I am a family man with little cash and I would like to start S/R shaving. I was concidering cutting start up costs by getting a shavette, and buying a set with a boar hair brush and hard soap that they sell at walmart. How mutch will I regret it?
I would like to start off right so any other Ideas that I am not aware of?

You will get a lot of replies on this one I'm sure. My advice is to get a decent shave ready razor ,strop, reasonable quality brush and soap. I'm in the UK so I have no knowledge of what your quality supermarkets sell. I've not used a shavette type either but I get the impression they can be a bit unforgiving.
It may be a good idea to save up and buy reasonable kit, rather than start in a hurry and have to buy it all again. Lynn has posted some really good tips for first time shavers, I'd advise reading those before you start.

Walmart set isn't bad at all. The soap lathers fine. Brush is a little stiff for me, but maybe will break in if you use it awhile. Bowl is small and easy to use.

Hello,
Here's the Wiki guide to getting started on a budget. That should get you started.

Welcome,

I can not comment on the shavette, but have heard they are not quite the same as a true straight. Here is a link for an inexpensive set RupRazor - Gold Dollar Razor and Filly Strop, i do not own this set but have read many good comments on this. You cn also check out the classifieds.

Enjoy the journey and keep us informed on your progress.


Lu

Welcome to srp.if you are willing to cover shipping charges let me know.

Originally Posted by hi_bud_gl

Welcome to srp.if you are willing to cover shipping charges let me know.

Shipping charges I can probably do.

shavettes are ok but not very forgiving, if you learn to shave with one then you will find it very easy to use a true SR. The blades are more flexible, give more feedback and do not have two spike points, many don't even have one.

I started with a shavette and modern but good high quality shave foamless soap, this basically gave me an opportunity to read up on razors and strops etc etc and gave me a more educated opinion when it came to buying all the 'proper' kit.

the walmart kit is supposed to be pretty decent.

That budget starting guide isn't that clever IMO.

Tweezerman badger brush from amazon, $12

Filly strop (kenrup) $20

soap from walmart, $1

shave ready razor from classifieds, $50

or just jump straight for a Dovo best quality from Straightrazordesigns for $72.

Cheap, dependable setup. great to see if its right for you.

+1 on Undream regarding the Dovo from SRD. They're giving free honing for life. (I'm going to wear that out... )

Also, I got the Filly strop. It works and it's cheap - what more can you ask for?

I also bought some cheap accessories, but I'd recommend getting nice, low-to-mid priced gear since you'll probably continue to use the brush and soaps even if straight razors aren't for you. Can't really comment on the items Undream recommended, but there are definitely a lot of well-priced choices on the web.