Well, even though I'm still Mach 3, I have been using a brush for a couple years, and Jack Black Beard Lube for at least 10 years before that. Before that I had the obligatory Old Spice mug with soap and brush.What have you decided on for a first "back to DE" razor and brush?
I was given a Simpson S1 Pure Badger and it wasn't impressive.
I bought a Maggard Tuxedo 24mm as a travel brush. it retired the Simpson within a week.
About 6 months ago I bought a Muhle Silvertip Fibre. The Tuxedo is back in my travel kit.
I have 2 soaps I use, Jack Black Supreme Creme (also in my travel kit because it's great for face lather), and Noble Otter Lonestar. I have to alternate or my face breaks out.
The razor I'm thinking about is Vikings Blade Emperor. With cartridge shaving I got used to a longer handle. It also has an adjustable head. The last DE razor somebody gave me tended to make me the one to chum for sharks. I nicked several times per shave.
This way I can work my way up as my technique gets better.