Judge/critique my first kit

[SteelRain]

Wasn't sure exactly where to put this, but here seemed to work.

Just bought all my stuff (after researching extensively on this site) and it hasn't even arrived yet. I'm on a super-budget, so not everything is the best, but I tried to get at least good enough I wouldn't hate using it.

Not everything is perfect, but I was hoping I could get some feedback on the pros and cons of my (incoming) kit. What to watch out for, what is going to have quirks, etc.

Thanks in advance! Here's the gear:

Razor: Frankenstein? I bought it because it was cheap enough that if I hated it I wouldn;t shed a tear. Here's the description from the bay: "The handle of this razor is a 1940s Tech handle and it is a little dull. The head of this razor is an old type from 1918 and it is marked "Property US Army". The head is a little dull with some smudges, stains and scratches. The cardboard box is still functional but is missing the flaps and shows a lot of wear. This set also comes with one Thin Gillette razor blade."
http://www.ebay.com/itm/170999706063?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649

Everything else is from West Coast Shaving.

Brush: Omega 49 (white)

Brush Stand: Cheap Edwin Jagger imitation ivory (Large)

Blades: Sampler Pack, extended

Soap: Godrej Shaving Round Soap
Ogallala Bay Rum, Sage & Cedar Shaving Soap Stick

Also bought a Pinaud Clubman Jumbo Styptic Pencil and a blade bank


I've only got one feeling left and he's a tough little guy so don't worry about hurting him. I'd rather know what I'm getting into before hand than have to figure it out on the fly.

Thanks again for everything!

 

[kubotta4]

I'm sorry for not being able to make a lot of comments on your kit. I can tell you though that Omega brushes are quite good.

 

[Porp]

You'll love the brush, I'm new as well but I think you are brave for choosing an open comb as your first DE but I may be wrong.

 

[bladebuff]

Just a couple of things:

1. Your razor should be fine as long as everything lines up once you put the blade in and tighten it up. A good cleaning should get it up and ready. I would probably just save the blade that came with it for a keep sake. The Gilette Tech is a good razor to get you started.
2. The Omega 49 should give you great service for quite some time.
3. Blade sample pack - check.
4. You did okay on the soap line up to start, maybe look to add a low cost cream in the next go round.
5. Syptic pencil is a good idea, but you should probably invest in some aftershave. There are plenty good value items around.

Take it easy, proper prep, no pressure, learn the right angles for your razor and the grain pattern of your beard, practice as often as needed to learn how to make a good shaving lather.

 

[Sir Lurkalot]

I have a plastic tech handle with an old type head. Shaves really well. You'll like it. The old types weren't too aggressive.

 

[Coler]

I can't add much to what has already been said.

I would suggest to you as one very low cost addition an alum block. It will close down any very minor nicks/weepers without the need to deploy yours styptic, and its also a great after shave treatment - you rinse off your face with cold water and just swipe it around all over. And one of them will last you years.

Bang for your buck, one of the best shave products out there.

 

[SteelRain]

Thanks everybody!

Bladebuff: I probably took as much time on soap as on the razor. It's hard when you don't know what any of them smell like! It seemed like people liked those two even if they weren't the most popular, but for how cheap they were I was comfortable. I was planning on getting a cream and aftershave too (and maybe an oil even), but it was late and household 6 was asleep. My total purchase was getting a little pricey for me to feel comfortable without getting permission, lol. They'll have to wait till next time. I have a moisterizing aftershave gel that works okay that I'll finish up first.

Coler: Same story as I told Bladebuff, really. Wanted an alum bloc, but the samplepack already jumped my checkout cost up kinda high. It's on the list though!

This place is great. I saw some other forums, but the proportion of hipsters/shave-snobs to regular people was a little high for me. I'm not looking to make a statement, I just want to shave without all the irritation and bumps!