Rarely a day goes by that we don't hear from someone asking; "I'm thinking of shaving with a straight razor, what else do I need besides the razor?" or "Do you have a starter kit?" If either of these questions or a similar one are on your mind, this article is for you. 

ClassicShaving.com does not offer a starter kit. The reason why is really quite simple; Not everyone has the same needs or requirements. We believe that a "starter kit" is a lot like one-size-fits-all underwear, OK for some - but not even close for most people.  

We will list here the things you need to get started, broken down into three categories - What is absolutely essential, what would be nice to have, and what would make your shaving pure luxury. 

Essential Needs: 

Straight Razor - Like most things, there are varying degrees of quality. Don't buy the best or most expensive razor. You may not like the whole thing and who needs an expensive white elephant? Don't buy the cheapest razor either. If your shaving experience isn't a good one you're guaranteed to give up on straight razors. The quality of the razor has a lot to do with achieving an acceptable outcome. Most beginners start with a carbon steel blade since they are easier to keep sharp.

Razor Strop - All straight razors require daily stropping before and after use to maintain the razor-sharp edge. A good quality double-sided linen/leather strop will keep your razor ready for use.

Strop Paste - There are several strop pastes available, each one having a different purpose. For regular maintenance on your daily-use strop you want Yellow Paste for maintaining the leather side and White Paste for the linen side.

Hone - While stropping is for routine edge maintenance it will not sharpen a dull razor. All razors will lose their edge over time. To replace the edge you will need to hone it 2-4 times a year. Do not use kitchen knife sharpeners or the hone you use for your hunting or pocket knifes. Most such hones and sharpeners are far too coarse and will destroy the fine edge on a razor. A razor hone should be a minimum of 6000 grit but 8000-10,000 is preferred and will produce a finer edge.

Styptic Pencil - Minor nicks are nearly unavoidable when just learning. An alum based styptic pencil is generally all that is needed attend to them.

Patience - The various requirements of straight razor shaving do come with a learning curve. Be patient. Ask questions of those who have been doing it for a while and are available to help. Be realistic in your expectations and don't get frustrated if your earliest attempts don't go well. Keep practicing.

Nice To Have Things: 

Shaving Brush - A good quality natural bristle shaving brush will allow you to use a wider variety of available shaving soaps and creams. Nearly anything you apply with a brush will provide a better shave than any foam that comes out of an aerosol can. 

Shaving Brush Stand - Any stand that allows your brush to drain and air-dry in a bristle-downward attitude will prolong the brush's usable life. 

Shaving Mug - A good quality, well made, sturdy mug will save you hundreds of times it's cost over its lifetime. It should not be too deep so that you can reach the bottom of it with your brush. It should also be wide enough to allow brush movement while whipping up your lather, and it should have a strong easy-to-hold handle. 

Shaving Soap - A high quality shaving soap will improve your shaving comfort and closeness. The soap provides the lubrication and hydration that prevents razor burn and nicks. 

Conveniences - Anything that will make your shaving more convenient and thereby more enjoyable, ie. stands, mirrors, towels, etc.,  will be money well spent. 

Shaving Luxuries: 

Stainless Steel Straight Razor - Stainless Steel is a bit more difficult to hone but holds its edge far longer, minimizing the frequency of honing. It will also virtually eliminate water spots on the blade and rust or corrosion that can be a problem in a humid environment. 

Additional Razors - Whether you opt for an entire fleet of routine daily shavers, or add one or two Special Razors that impart a feeling of well-being and luxury to your shave, being able to choose the razor that "feels right to you today" is not only enjoyable, but practical. More razors means less use for each one, thereby extending the period between honing. It also provides a back-up for the razor that you drop or that becomes dull in the middle of a shave.

Badger Bristle Shaving Brush - The more costly badger bristle brushes will produce a richer lather and offer a more thorough, comfortable, and enjoyable lather application. The quality of the lather used really does make a difference in the quality of the shave.

Toiletries, Lotions, Etc. - Using high quality and enjoyable toiletries makes all the difference between just shaving and enjoying it. 

Personality Statements - The personal articles owned and used by most men make something of a statement about the man. Choose your shaving items carefully in order to make the statement you want. Remember, your wife or girlfriend, children, and any guest in your home are likely to use your bathroom and see the things you use.