Thread: comparison or review of (beginner) starting sets

Originally Posted by christophe

I do like the one I have (so far), but, as I said, it would be a treat.

The main reason I want to "start over" is that it would be easier for me to get a feeling of what I want and like by having at least 2 different items of each. And since I already have lower end ones, I aim at good (better) quality for the second set.

I think the better question is: This is what I DO, this is what I HAVE, this is my RESULT, how do I improve my RESULT? Beginners probably only get 10%-20% of the maximum performance out of their set up but think that more equipment equals better results, WRONG! A master shaver could probably get BBS shaves with what you have now. An observation from RogueRazor: Straight razor shaving is low technology/high skill, which is why most shavers don't pursue it, they want high technology/mindless skill (ie electric razor). So IMHO you probably don't need to "start over" you should look for areas of improvement and do that first. I would think the first money to be spent would be sending your current razor to be professionally honed. Then some better soap. Then a better brush. Then a better strop after you've nicked your current one up. Then some paste for your current strop. Then a new stone for finishing/touch up, etc. With each addition, find someone who can help you get the most out of that addition. Then you can begin comparison shopping.

But have the mind set, acquire SKILL (this is the real treat), not STUFF (I admit I am guilty of acquiring too much STUFF and not enough SKILL!)...

If you're already set up with a kit that works I wouldn't bother buying another kit, just cherry pick the items you want to upgrade next.

You've got everything you NEED to shave, so now it's a case of getting the stuff you want over and above that.

Do you want a new razor, or a strop or brush or soap?

If you have $300 to play with I'd say grab a new blade and a new strop. I just upgraded to a custom Neil Miller strop and it's the best money I ever spent, it's made a huge difference to my edges.

If you pick right you could probably grab the blade, strop and still have a but left over to grab a new soap a well!

I have one brush and it's the same one I bought right back when I started, a trumpers best badger. It does the job and works great so I'm happy with it. That's why I've invested in blades, hones and more recently strops.

Hey ikm very new as well. I've been hoping I might eventually find something to contribute
on. This site really has it all though. Anyways, if you already got the goods, there's no need.
to buy more. For those who might read your post and really be looking for an economical
starter kit, I'd highly

suggest whippeddog.coms sight unseen deal. I'm sure it's been mentioned before, but
Larry will set you up right for just under fifty bucks. I do mean everything a beginner
would need for probably the first 6 months of shaving.

I've never been to keen on the starter sets, I'd rather build my own set to my wants and needs. You don't need to or should blow that much money while your learning unless the cash is burning a hole in your wallet.

Originally Posted by Str8nSharp

I've never been to keen on the starter sets, I'd rather build my own set to my wants and needs. You don't need to or should blow that much money while your learning unless the cash is burning a hole in your wallet.

I got a great starter set from SRD that gave me one heck of a nice bang for my buck. I still use all the components and I am one happy shaver. But each to his own.

Originally Posted by carazor

But have the mind set, acquire SKILL (this is the real treat), not STUFF (I admit I am guilty of acquiring too much STUFF and not enough SKILL!)...

This is great advice. I admit that, even though I'm a total noob, I have purchased 4 razors already. Not because I need them or because I think they will somehow make me a better shaver, but mainly because they were so darn nice!

Anyway, I'm doing my best to put my acquisitions on hold and I'm trying to concentrate on my technique.

I'm worried at your willingness to throw money at this to achieve a better result.

I bought three razors for £5 each from ebay (vintage razors) got them honed by a honemeister on these forums (£10 each) got a leather neil miller paddle or hanging strop (£34.99) a omega professional brush (I forget which one £10) soap MWF (£5) =>> £95 <=> $148

I think you should change the mindset, spending more money won't get you a better shave. See how little money you can spend, upgrade incrementally. you could change your soap for $5 tommorow and your shaves might get miraculously better. change one thing at a time and see how you like it