Reddit mentions of Omega Shaving Brush #10048 Boar Bristle Aka The PRO 48

A safety razor is a razor in which the blade is held in a holder with a guard. There's a wide variety: Schick Injectors and the GEM use a single edge blade, the Fusion uses a multiblade cartridge, and the safety razors most commonly used in this forum use a double-edged blade: a DE safety razor.

The Edwin Jagger DE8x series is excellent and at a better price point than the Merkur razors, plus the head design is more recent and (IMO) better.

You have a lot of choices in brushes. I generally recommend the Omega 643167 artificial badger but the Frank Shaving badger brushes are admired by many. And lately I find that horsehair shaving brushes do a superb job of creating lather: more resilient than badger, not so coarse as boar. If you do decide to go with a boar brush, I recommend the Omega Pro 48 as well as this beginner's guide to boar brushes.

For a shaving soap, I recommend starting with a shave stick: soap in stick form. Some good brands: Palmolive, Speick, Valobra, Arko, and others. Wash your beard at the sink, rinse, and then rub the shave stick against the grain all over your wet beard. Brush your beard briskly with a wet brush, and you'll get loads o' lather, with the brush holding plenty for later passes (you rinse and apply lather prior to each pass). Exception: I wouldn't try this with a boar brush, which must break in over a few weeks' use before it has much capacity.

OTOH, you say that your beard is sparse, so a shave stick may not work. Take a look at these soap and shaving cream vendors for some artisanal products that sell at quite a reasonable price and perform well:

• Al's Shaving
• Em’s Place
• Ginger’s Garden
• Honeybee Soaps
• Kell’s Original
• Mama Bear
• Nanny’s Silly Soap Company (in the UK)
• Prairie Creations
• QED
• Queen Charlotte Soaps
• Saint Charles Shave
• The Shave Den

I don't find that a shave oil helps me all that much, but in washing my beard at the sink, I do find that Musgo Real Glyce Lime Oil soap (MR GLO) is a great help. The rinse after washing your beard with this is just a splash, not a thorough rinse, and note that this is a pre-shave soap, not a shaving soap. You get your lather from a shaving soap or shaving cream.

Here are some vendors you can check out. These supply blade sampler packs, which you'll need: no one can predict which blades will work for you and which won't:

• BestShave.net (free shipping worldwide)
• BullGoose Shaving Supplies (in the US)
• Connaught Shaving (in the UK)
• Details for Men (in the US)
• Em’s Place (in the US)
• Fendrihan (in Canada)
• Kinetic Blue (in Australia)
• Razor Blades & More (in the US)
• Royal Shave (in the US)
• Shaving.ie (in Ireland)
• Shoebox Shaveshop (in the US)
• Traditional Shaving Supplies (in Ireland)
• West Coast Shaving (in the US)
• Via Amazon.com
• Via eBay.com

If you've got Amazon gift cards, then you can do okay. But it's buyer beware - unless you know exactly what you need, exactly how much it should cost, and exactly who you'll be buying it from, you're likely to get hosed. For example, that blade sampler costs double what it should. You can get the balm for $2.75 at WalMart (it's normally $5.50, but they've got a BOGO). And a styptic should only be a couple of bucks.

As to the particular items:

I haven't been able to find a blade sampler on Amazon that I could recommend. Tryablade.com is probably your best bet.

Buy the balm and styptic locally. There's no point in paying for "free" shipping.

Do not under any circumstances purchase that VdH kit. The cheap kit with a boar brush is a questionable buy, but it may be a decent choice for a beginner. The badger brush, on the other hand, isn't just overpriced, it's flat-out terrible. Get an Omega boar brush such as the 10048 or maybe a Vie-Long horsehair. If you really want badger, keep in mind that most of them sold on Amazon are crap; the WSP Prince is the least expensive one I'd recommend.

For soap, the WSP Rustic line is supposed to be pretty good. Strop Shoppe stuff is outstanding.

The razor you've picked will shave well, but the handle is slick and (for me at least) slippery. Consider the EJ Kelvin or the Parker 26c instead. Or, if you've got room in the budget, consider a Weber (not sure you can use an Amazon gift card, but since it's "hosted by Amazon" its seems that you should be able to).

I use this razor and astra blades.

https://www.amazon.com/Fashion-Traditional-Sturdy-SAFETY-Twist-Grip/dp/B006O3MNIY

Omega Brush

https://www.amazon.com/Omega-Shaving-Brush-10048-Bristle/dp/B003BWNR9A/ref=sr_1_9_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1550456858&sr=1-9&keywords=shaving+brush+omega

Williams mug shave soap.

And it all works fabulous. The thing that really up'd my game was getting my razor at the tightness level I wanted, changing the blade frequently, and getting better at lathering up my soap and applying the lather a bit more aggressively with my brush.

edit.

this is my razor stand.

https://www.macshardware.com/product-p/19660165.htm

edit 2

I use jojoba oil immediately after shaving as well.

What do I win?

http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B003BWNR9A/ref=dp_olp_new?ie=UTF8&condition=new

(See the second merchant for free shipping w/o minimum order. Maggard's site had it at last check, too).

I'd suggest starting off with a Dorco razor starter kit. It's pretty cheap and has almost everything you need, aside from a brush and a shaving soap. Aftershave is completely optional, but it definitely improves the feel of your skin afterward. I use Chiseled Face soap, specifically Summer Storm and Ghost Town Barber.

Feel free to ask anything else. I've been shaving dual edge for a good year and a half now. Best choice I've made in regards to personal grooming.

Start with this.

It is a copy of the most mild DE razor ever invented (Gillette Tech), it is cheap yet well made, surprisingly. Practice with this and then branch out into high dollar (even then very cheap) razors. An EJ89 is a great place to start, as is a Merkur Classic (I use a Futur but they are $75 and require a bit of finesse).

Also get this

Seems expensive, but you get lots of different blades and you can try them and see which works best before you drop money. Feathers are known as sharpest, Derbys as the least. That does not mean one is better than the other--blade choice is the ultimate Your Mileage May Vary (YMMV). Try as many as you can to see what works for you.

Get a boar brush. Get this one and then branch out. Brushes are one of the coolest things about wet shaving. Once you get the hang of lather, you'll start collecting brushes. It's awesome. But that Omega is all you'll ever have to buy if you want.

Is there a Bath and Body works near you? If so, great! Proraso, one of the oldest and most respected shaving companies rebrands under CO Bigelow and it is dirt cheap. Their shampoo/body wash is great, and the shaving cream is fantastic. Very easy to lather. You can also get a tub of Taylor of Bond Street (TOBS) in any "flavor" and get great stuff. It lasts forever. I like the Avocado--it's very slick--and the Eton college--it smells amazing.

Go to your local drug store and buy Pinaud Clubman aftershave. It is cheap, and smells like an old barber shop--which is to say AMAZING. Apply this after you shave. It puts a bounce in your step like nothing else. While you are there get a styptic pencil, as you may nick yourself early on. Don't worry, nicking is painless but it can bleed a little and the styptic will halt it quick. Once you get the hang of tings you wont nick yourself at all.

And then you're set---but also FUCKED. Jade East aftershave rocks, as does Bay Rum (Pinaud or Captain's Choice), as does Old Spice...Merkur and Edwin Jagger make amazing razors, plus thrift stores and flea markets have old Gillettes...if the hobby bites you there is never enough!

Join us at /r/wicked_edge for more tips! We are a friendly bunch and can guide you through the early stages of enjoying a great hobby.

Most people would probably tell you to start with a Badger brush, as they're sort of considered the top (Don't even start to worry about the different grades of badger hair. Just buy what you can afford if you go this route)

Personally, I chose the this as my first brush. Works well in a bowl and for face lathering. Takes a bit of time to break in (2 weeks maybe?) but it's really nice once it's done.

The best budget beginner razor

Some good soap

A good brush

Total: about $25

This is what i started with and it works like a charm... would recommend feather blades over lord but that's just my opinion.

Amazon does have the Omega 48 boar brushes for about 10 bucks.
Link.
I ordered this one and I love it. Can't beat it for the price.

I use the Omega 10048 (bought off Amazon) and I'm happy with it.

It's a big brush, though. The 10049 is a bit smaller.

Oh, links...
Silvertone double edge razor http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0050HO9MI

Arko shave stick, easy to lather, and a pretty decent smell www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B002A5OLHQ

There are all different kinds of brushes, here are a few
www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B003BWNR9A/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1377634966&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX110_SY165

www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000G647Y8/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1377635019&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX110_SY165

www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001PDDEVS/ref=mp_s_a_1_13?qid=1377635056&sr=8-13&pi=AC_SX110_SY165

Also, for $26 is a good brush, from Larry at whipped dog.
www.whippeddog.com/products/view/silvertip-badger

Blades, well look on amazon for a sampler pack , or try maggard;
www.maggardrazors.com/index.php/product-category/razor-blades/
Make your own, or choose one of theirs!

I really don't know why people are shitting on Amazon. I like supporting artisans and small companies as much as anyone else, but if OP wants to go with Amazon because it's cheaper (and it is cheaper), then let them do it.

To answer your question, the Edwin Jagger DE89bl is a great razor, Proraso Green is a great soap, and the Omega 48 is a good brush. You can also pick up all sorts of blades in bulk.

If you get the Astra blades, the kit is about $60 on Amazon and about $75 on a small site that is popular in this sub.

Let me just reiterate. I like artisans and small vendors, especially for the wider variety of scents and razors. There are better options for less at small vendors, but those are on items that only those vendors sell. for mass-produced products Amazon is often the cheaper option

Agreed! I just received this Omega boar brush the other day. I've always been a badger guy (still am) but got it because of all the praise they got here. It was so cheap even if I didn't like it I knew it would get snatched up quick on /r/shave_bazaar. I'm really loving the backbone it has. Great for loading hard soap and feels awesome massaging the lather into my face. It is quite a stinker, but I know that will fade. I'm looking forward to it being nice and broken in.

From Amazon I would go with an Omega 10048 boar brush. It's pretty big brush. So if you want something smaller the Omega 10072 boar brush, or Omega 10065 boar brush.

Could you clarify what type of razor you want? Here are the razor types.

If you want a straight razor, try something like this:

Straight razor from /u/RocTraitor, you can see his list here, a vintage shave ready razor runs for about $50

You can get a strop here for $38

Here's a brush for $11 and a soap for $5

Total set for just over $100.

That kit just isn't very good. Cheap brush, cheap razor, questionable blades.

Amazon isn't the best place to shop for gear, you will find much better options at a place like www.maggardrazors.com.

If you do want to buy from Amazon you should forget that kit and piece something together yourself. You'll spend a couple bucks more but you will get much higher quality gear for those few bucks.

• Utopia Care Razor - $12
  
• Omega 10948 Boar Brush - $11
  
• Arko shaving soap bowl - $5
  
• Blade Sampler -$6
  
  Total = ~$34 shipped.
  
  Of course, a dedicated wet shaving vendor like Maggards offers a more well rounded kit for about the same price.
  
  http://www.maggardrazors.com/product/budget-starter-kit/

This boar is an excellent buy. I love it.

Razor: Edwin Jagger, ~$35, or the Parker 29L.

Brush: Omega 10048.

Soap: I haven't used proraso but it's the only thing I can think of that's available on amazon with the shipping. Maybe someone will chime in who knows. Here's the link to one of them.

Note: you may also want to buy some witch hazel, an alum block and a blade sampler. But, the blade sampler will be cheaper and better if you go through a site like tryablade.com or maggardrazors.com

it was a van der hagen brush, wasn't it? mine did the same thing. I replaced it with one of these. much better.

Plugging TOBS Sandalwood for a recommended cream... If you don't have a soap, it's notoriously easy to lather. I use it when I rush my shaves, or if I don't have time. Very good shaving cream IMHO, and it always gives reliable shaves.

Not better than my Stirling, but we're talking Amazon here, and TOBS Sandalwood Cream would be my recommendation for something to get latherin'.

For a brush, although I have not tried boar knots, the 10048 looks pretty good, and I've seen someone else recommend it already. If I was buying on a budget from Amazon, that would be my first pick.

The TOBS cream and Omega brush will set you back about what you would have paid for the VdH kit, which is rubbish from what I've heard, although I have no experience with it.

Face or palm lather the TOBS and save yourself a bowl. The mug in the VdH kit is only to put soap in anyway, and shouldn't be used to lather - only to load your brush. Even if you did try to lather in it, it's not really the 5-6 inches diameter you're gonna wish you had.

Also, if you have leftover cash, spring for some Witch Hazel. Stuff is frickin magical. Apply right before you apply aftershave balm, and let it sit for a minute or so to really tighten up your face.

If you have even more leftover funds, or opt to get WH at your local drugstore, apparently Clearly Natural Glycerin Soap is a good pre-shave. I use MR GLO, but people have told me that any high-glycerin soap makes a nearly equivalent MR GLO substitute. And, for the price of less than one puck of MR GLO, you get 3 bars of Clearly Natural. Hooray for hydration and slickness!

And if you're in for a splurge, get a fancy stand. Adds counter appeal - totally unnecessary, but cool.

Good buy on the Nivea Sensitive ASB, and sub the EJ for a Parker 24c, per /u/leisureguy's post. He's never steered me wrong. Both purchases I've made based on his recommendations have worked out great, which were my Plisson brush and MR GLO.

As for the sample pack, you're probably better off spending some out-of-pocket dough on tryablade.com, or any of the other sample pack resellers. Get your money's worth.

P.S. - Don't forget to soak your boar brush (should you select it) in hot water for a few minutes before you try lathering with it. Boar brushes also have a break-in period, so be mindful that your first few shaves/lathers may be less than desirable.

A Fusion ATG everyday on a coarse beard is going to murder your face. That used to be how I shaved for a long time, and my skin hated me.

My suggestions in the immediate term is to step up your prep and shave products. That alone will make a very big, immediate difference without breaking the bank or requiring you to teach yourself how to shave with a safety razor (i.e. a double-edge razor).

My advice is to buy the following:

• Proraso shaving cream
  
  
• Proraso pre-shave cream
  
  
• Omega boar-bristle brush
  
  All-in, you're looking at about $40 in products. IMO, Nivea makes a perfectly good aftershave balm, so no need to mess with that. If you want to try a splash, you could try this, but it's not necessary.
  
  For the prep and shave: after your shower, soak the brush in hot water for a couple of minutes. In that time, wet your face with hot water, then rub in about a dime to a quarter-sized amount of the pre-shave (however much it takes to get a thin layer of coverage without any gooping). Rinse it off with hot water. Your face should feel slicker after the pre-shave.
  
  Remove the brush, squeeze the bristles to get the excess water out, then give it a 1/2- or 3/4-inch line of shaving cream. Go to town on your cheek with broad, swirling motions, lathering right onto your face (you can use a mug or whatnot, but your face works just as well and saves time).
  
  If the cream feels too thick, just add a bit of water and continue lathering. It'll take some experimentation to get the amount of water right (varies based on water hardness). Too little water and it will not lubricate very well. Too much and it becomes a runny mess that doesn't lubricate at all. Add water in little bits. You'll figure it out by feel pretty quickly.
  
  Shave WTG, hot rinse, lather, XTG, hot rinse, lather, ATG. Use as little pressure as possible and try to let the blades do the work on each pass. It should feel like the blades are just barely touching your face. Rinse cold after you're done.
  
  That should help deal with the irritation and improve your shaves in the short term. When you're ready, feel free to move up to safety razors. Probably the best way to start is to get ahold of a basic Merkur 34C razor and this thing. Switch brands every two weeks and slowly work through until you find one you're really happy with.
  
  Good luck!

Wet Shavers represent!

A good, cheap brand of shaving brush is the Italian made Omega brand.

The Omega Pro 48 (Omega model number 10048) is a wonderful brush, and costs about $12 or something. It is a big, boar bristle brush that is perfect for bringing bar soap to a foamy lather.

Ladies will love this brush, as the large size makes it quick to lather legs etc.

For best results, soak your brush in the sink for a couple minutes before you lather up.

Look at this album for the story of my brush: http://imgur.com/a/9cnd8

Then give a shout out to /u/drivenlegend . He did my brush, and I highly recommend him not only for his skill, but for his communication. All I knew is that I loved my Omega Pro48 knot, but I hated the handle. He recommended the Rubberset 200-4. He even helped me look for one. I ultimately got a good host from someone on another forum.

Read the comments in the aforementioned album for answers to some of your questions. I would imagine that most of these vintage brushes that actually saw real action are missing the paint in the lettering. Your lettering is probably not black, but just missing the white paint which /u/drivenlegend can put back as long as there's enough of an indentation to hold the paint.

I would love to hear how this turns out for you, so please tag me when you post updates so I can follow along. Good luck!

EDIT: I'd also add that it looks like the brush reads, "200-4" which would make it the same model as mine. If the knot is brittle and needs replacing (my amateur eyes say it's a goner), and if you want to stay with boar, I recommend the Omega PRO48. You can pick it up on amazon for $11. For that price, I'd have no problem buying a new brush just as a donor for the knot. After it's broken-in, it's a very nice knot. Of course, you may be wanting to go the badger route, but I'm partial to the looks of boar with this handle.

You could go that route, reviews seem positive. Or you could tweak it a little.

Here's one option:

[Razor] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000NL0T1G/ref=oh_details_o00_s01_i01?ie=UTF8&psc=1)

[Brush] (http://www.amazon.com/Omega-Shaving-Brush-10048-Bristle/dp/B003BWNR9A/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1397012788&sr=8-2&keywords=omega+boar+brush)

[Alum] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FA35K02/ref=oh_details_o02_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)

With a few bucks left over for [Supplies] (http://theholyblack.com/)

[you mean this] ( https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003BWNR9A/ref=cm_sw_r_udp_awd_sg36tb0Z7FTHV)

Hey! I've been DE shaving for about 2 years or so and I can definitely say it saves money. I didn't get into it as a hobby so it's still been pretty cheap. In fact, I'm using the soap I started with. I've linked everything I bought when I started (I can't find the blades though).

soap
razor
brush

I would then suggest getting a variety pack of razor blades. That way you can figure out which one really works best for your skin. I used to get red bumps/razor burn whenever I shaved with a Venus. That never happens to me now. I had learned that the more razor blades, the higher the chance of irritation. Now, some days I get a ridiculously smooth shave and some days I don't. However, I think that's a reflection of my skin, not this method of shaving.

Let me know what other questions you may have! I really love this way of shaving! Good luck!

I used to use that brush, but after seeing it mentioned multiple times by /u/Leisureguy I ordered the Omega 10048. It is only a couple dollars more than the Escali, and it took about a month fully break in (aka, get the stink out) but now it is far softer while also being firmer than the Escali was.

Makes it great for face lathering.

edit: replaced 'fast' with 'face'

If you're interested in boar, I'm a big fan of my Omega Pro48. The one major difference between Boar & Badger (aside from stiffness) is the need for a break-in period. There's a pretty strong animal odor at first and the hairs are quite scritchy.

But after a few weeks of shaving the Pro48 is easily one of my top brushes.

I would recommend an Omega 48, it was part of my first DE kit. I treated it with hair conditioner at the start to soften it up and still use it with soaps. Gives a great lather on heavy beard.

Bowl latherer. When I shave, I start with my head for the standard three passes then I move on to my face and shave around a beard that takes up most of my face.

If relevant - I use the Omega Pro 48 brush. I've gotten solid lathers out of the Arko stick and a couple of different Maggards soaps.

The side bar has a link for it! :) Beyond that, Maggard Razor's kit works wonders. For something different, /u/leisureguy posted this and links back to it often. He also, at one point, tried out cheaper brushes/razors such as the kabuki and the sodial. I'm not sure how those two worked out for him, though. He really seems to prefer the Omega S-Brush, though. Here's a link. I believe this is an Omega S-Brush on Amazon. Someone correct me if I'm wrong?

I am looking at this one instead: Omega Shaving Brush #10048 Boar Bristle aka The PRO 48

What do you think?

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003BWNR9A/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=2WOM416R2DECW&coliid=I109P5A5N3V7B7&psc=1

Omega Shaving Brush #10048 Boar Bristle aka The PRO 48 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003BWNR9A/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_VCJNub04C5KPY

This is one of the best brushes out there at a price that won't break the bank. However, your current one should last plenty long enough to save up for a new one! Tlax and enjoy your new shaves!

A lot of people are going to recommend a lot of different razors, I just started wet shaving a couple weeks ago and I bought a Merkur 34c. I'm really happy with it, some people don't like the length of the handle but it only took me a couple shaves to get used to it. I wear a XL glove for reference and I have no problems with it. I also like how much heft that the razor has, it allows for no pressure and lets the weight of the razor do the work for you. I was really surprised with the weight when I first got it, for as small as it is I was not expecting so much heft when I first picked it up. Regardless of which razor you choose I think you'll make a good decision.

As for brushes I recommend this Omega brush. It's a great brush for the price, can't go wrong with it. It's a boar brush so there is a breaking in period. With any brush you're bound to lose some hairs the first couple shaves so don't freak out, it should stop in a couple weeks and you still may loose a hair here and there every once in a while. If you're still loosing a lot of hairs after about a month I'd contact the seller and get a replacement as it could be a faulty knot.

As for creams and soaps there's so much. It's helps to know what scents you like the most and choose from there. Proasso, Taylor of Old Bond Street and Stirling Soaps are I few I'd personally recommended. But like I said there's a whole great big world of soaps and creams to choose from.

My knowledge is limited to the items I've referenced above and there are a lot more shavers here that can point you in a better direction, but for the money you can't go wrong with these. I hope this helps you on your journey to wet shaving and if you have any more questions I'd be glad to answer them to the best of my knowledge.

EDIT: I forgot to mention to pick up a blade sample pack. Regardless of the razor you choose, a blade that works for you can go a long way.

Okay... So I've added to my "to buy" list...

blades

maybe this

brush

stand

Both the alcohol aftershave and alum block dry out your face. For me, its a very good thing because it helps clear out the psoriasis scales/acne, and yeah i use the aftershave lotion/balm to counteract that. Be very careful with the lotion/balm tho. if you use too much it can clog pores and cause breakouts, so i recommend using as little as possible. I've used several types of pre-shave oil but so far Maggard Razors is my favorite, I find that it really leaves my skin plump. How are you using the pre-shave oils? Also keep in mind that you don't have to spend an arm and a leg for a quality brush. My go to is the Omega Pro 48. Proraso White is great also.

wow thanks for the speedy reply! i've seen a lot of your posts and i've got to say, you're probably one of the most helpful/underrated accounts on reddit. and i've checked your book out, and there's a very good chance that i'm going to be getting it!

so i think i'm going to go with the $65 kit to start off, and if i need upgrades it'll (progressively) be the razor, this [soap] (http://www.amazon.com/Proraso-Glycerin-Shave-Soap-Rasoio/dp/B001MF3FO0/ref=sr_1_6?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1323361007&sr=1-6), and maybe the brush.

does that seem like a pretty good way to get started?

edit: formatting

I would suggest the Omega Pro 48 I have it and I like it. So you have soap/cream/stick(whatever your choice may be? Do you have an alum block or aftershave?

I got my first taste by going to the local pharmacy store, picking up the VDH Starter Kit, a Styptic pencil, some Shave Secret, and bag of two blade disposables. After about a week, I went back and got aftershave lotion and went to Bath&Body Works and got some C.O. Bigelow.

Just last week I finally decided to take the next step and I ordered a basic Lord DE, Blade sampler, and a nicer Brush. I can't wait for this all to come in. giddy

Sweet - ended up getting:

http://www.whippeddog.com/products/view/sight-unseen-razor - $41

http://www.whippeddog.com/products/view/poor-man-strop-kit - $25

http://www.whippeddog.com/products/view/styptic-pencil - $2

http://www.amazon.com/health-personal-care/dp/B003BWNR9A - $16

http://alsshaving.com/7-Day-Set-Sampler-Pack-7dsSC.htm - $17

So, pretty much exactly what you recced. $101 as you said, before shipping costs. Probably $120ish after all's said and done. Thanks! Looking into all this stuff makes me want to pick some of this up for myself.

BUY A SAFETY RAZOR

Seriously. You'll save boatloads of money and you'll give yourself the best shave of your life. The initial start-up is a bit of an investment (~$50), but after that you'll only pay about $20-30 per year.

Buy a safety razor. This is a perfectly good one for $20 on Amazon. They can last your lifetime.

Next, buy these 100-count razor blades for $10 on Amazon. You can get 3-6 excellent shaves out of a blade before needing to change it. If you're not picky about a super close shave, you can get 10+. That's 300-600 excellent shaves for $10. Or 1,000+ okay shaves for $10.

Now of course, if you go the safety razor route, you'll also want to buy a brush and shaving soap. First the brush. Brushes come with either boar hair or badger hair. Badger hair is superior quality, but's naturally more expensive. Boar hair is perfectly sufficient, it's just not quite as smooth or durable. If your want to try this whole straight razor thing out for a while first before investing any more money than necessary, go with a boar hair brush. You can find them pretty easily at Wal-Mart and Target these days for $5-10, but here's one on Amazon for $11. You may be able to find one for cheaper -- I only spent a few seconds searching.

Next we have the soap. Personally, I'm a big fan of Proraso Shaving Soap for $10 on Amazon -- it comes with its own bowl, so no need to buy one. Naturally it depends on how often you shave, but these last quite a while. I shave 2-3 times per week and I probably go through maybe three a year. There are of course many options - you can also consider buying the solid soap bars that go in a little bowl. I feel like these last even longer. I think I once bought a 3-pack for $15. It lasted me almost 2 years.

Alternatively, many vendors and stores sell combo packs that will include all or most of these components. I know I've seen them at Target and Wal-Mart. I can't attest to the quality, but I'm sure they're perfectly acceptable for a newbie that wants to try it out and see if he likes it. If you decide any of the individual components aren't meeting your standards, you can easily buy an upgrade on Amazon.

Switch to a safety razor. I implore you. It's the best and closest shave you'll ever give yourself - and it costs a fraction of what the stupid Gillette, etc., razors cost.

Sorry I just want to try this to see if it works all the time:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003BWNR9A/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=2GE3VBGYPPNBH&coliid=I3KQ68YMAO2GND