What is the cost of admission?

[Vlad]

Guys, I know this has been asked before, but: how much do I have to spend to try straight shaving? If someone asked me this about DE shaving, here's what I would say:

Razor: EJ89 (heirloom quality, mild) $40
Brush: Good boar (enough backbone, enough soft) $30
Blades: Astra (doubtful to have a "bad" shave) $20
QCS cream (good, easy lather) $15

About $100

This is a no-compromise setup...nothing here needs to be replaced because it's a cheap "entry level only" item. You can always spend more, of course. So, what is the comparable setup for straight shaving? I've already got brushes and soap, can you help me from there?

 

[Gissy]

Whippeddog Unseen deal: 55$(even cheaper if you take the one with non-shaving flaws.

 

[Vlad]

But then I need sharpening things, right?

 

[Jim]

Vlad if we model this project after your B.A.D. then you should budget $11,000.00 to be safe.

 

[Vlad]

Vlad if we model this project after your B.A.D. then you should budget $11,000.00 to be safe.

Ha, too funny!

 

[Gissy]

If you're going to hone your own razor the cheapest way is lapping film for about 10 $, that should last you quite a while.

 

[Doc226]

But then I need sharpening things, right?

Not really. Larry includes a balsa wood with crox and feox that should keep you going for some time. After that lapping film is cheap (lacks mojo) and gives great results.

 

[ladykate]

But then I need sharpening things, right?

The basic kit will keep your razor in tune for a long time. It includes the strop and a po'boy paddle. With the two of them and if you are pure of heart, then you can go on for months or more. If you then need to tune it up, then lapping film (as Doc stated). You will stay under $100 for sure. However, you will still need those other things you used with your DE (brush and soap).

It could be argued that you don't need a brush and soap with either kit. A nice shaving cream would work fine. Even more conservative, the other night, I was in the evil woods without a brush or shaving soap so I used face soap and my hands. Worked great.

 

[fccexpert]

Here is what I did:

Boker Red Injun 101 bought on Ebay $35
Illinois Strop $35
Tweezerman badger brush $14
VDH Delux soap from Walmart $4 (I beleive, certainly no more than that)
Norton 4/8K water stone (all you really need) $60

Total $148.

 

[Easttexasman]

Whippeddog Unseen deal: 55$(even cheaper if you take the one with non-shaving flaws.

Yep, whippeddog is the recommended place to get started. The cost to get started is very small compared to the raging AD you get once you start getting good shaves.