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If you can wait a little I'd buy off AliExpress and my hot tips would be these:
Yintal razor, solid brass handle, efficient - https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Raz...lgo_pvid=f8afb63f-b0ef-4318-a71c-5cf774e17938
Yaqi 26mm synthetic brush - https://www.aliexpress.com/item/26M...lgo_pvid=cf6ac705-b7a4-4f9a-8d86-5ed4c5e8334e
I have both the above and can thoroughly recommend them. For razor blades I'd probably go for Personna Platinum "Red" (though in a blue box) but plenty of other views and possibles here. Start with 50.
You will get many recommendations for mass market soaps and creams like Proraso, Tabac, Cella, Arko etc. because they're cheap and thought to be "good for beginners". I would ignore all of these mediocre products and get one really good starter soap/cream. The cheapest decent one I'd recommend is Gentlemans Face Care Club Bergamot and Neroli. Very easy to lather and a good scent. It's soft, so pick up a little with your finger and smear it on either cheek and then face lather. The Yaqi synthetic brushes are as good as it gets for lathering. Ignore badger, boar etc etc. not only for environmental reasons but because they are no better and require pre-soaking, drying etc. which synthetics don't.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Luxury-B...h=item3b1d0de9f9:g:ckcAAOSwOuBblWJ0:rk:1:pf:0
I'd also recommend Mitchell's Wool Fat (MWF) in a puck for which you'll need a tin. MWF is a top tier soap, one of the very best.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mitchell...h=item3d607e477d:g:BM4AAOSwkRJa1MLa:rk:8:pf:0
It's always useful to have some tins ready, since pucks are an economical way to buy top tier artisan soaps.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/4-x-250ml-Aluminium-Tin-Silver-Round-Containers-with-EPE-Lined-Screw-Lid/232622974288?ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649
If you literally can't wait, I'd agree with Drew's suggestion of the Merkur 34C and a synthetic brush, which to me says Yaqi. I have a couple of 24mm Yaqis which are fine but the 26mm is even nicer. You pretty much can't go wrong with Yaqi synthetics. Not so keen on Taylors, so would prefer alternatives as above. You have plenty of time later to read threads about top tier soaps. If you want a taster of the really top soaps, look at Eufros, e.g. Gea, Zanzibar, Fougere or Ylang Ylang. Email Manuel at magafe_es@yahoo.es
Great detailed post above, but fairly subjective. Many of the comments made here are the commentors biases, and not necessarily agreed by all.
@Drew71 - Merkur 34 and the 38 are basically the same razor and provide both provide the same result. Is that correct? The only difference is the handle size? Tks Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
I prefer the shorter handle on the 34c as I find it easier to manoeuvre around my face. Some people prefer the longer handle and extra weight of the 38. Either one is an excellent choice tho. Just depends what you prefer. I still occasionally use mine and get excellent shaves with it. This all comes with practice and technique. Just remember whatever you choose to let the weight of the razor do the work and don't use any pressure.@Drew71 - Merkur 34 and the 38 are basically the same razor and provide both provide the same result. Is that correct? The only difference is the handle size? Tks
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
So true mate! There's about a million opinions just on this forum to peruse!!ALL the posts on this thread will be subjective and will contain the commentator's biases. User satisfaction is a totally subjective thing - there are no absolutes. It's misleading to think any one post is more or less subjective than all the others, however you can get a better idea by comparing a number of different posts on the same topic to see if a consensus appears. Here's a review of 70 soaps which I largely agree with and gives you a reasonably reliable reference for what a top tier soap is. Subjective of course but supported for the most part by a lot of other threads and posts about soap makers. I'd say it's a worthwhile read. USA centric but does cover soap makers available in Europe.
https://theshaveden.com/forums/threads/reviews-of-70-soaps.57343/
As for brushes, you'll have to make up your own mind whether badgers are still needed at a time when synthetics like Yaqi have never been so good and maintenance free. As Dansco points out, there's always a case to be made for a Gillette classic like the Tech or the Slim/Fatboy/Super Adjustable. And equally for more recent adjustables like the Merkur Progress or "systems" like the Rockwell 6C with a number of different top plates giving you different degrees of efficiency. As for blades you'll never get a consensus though this is a good read
https://www.refinedshave.com/razor-blade-sharpness-summary/
Sound advice. Keep it cheap to start with - see how you go!If you're in a rush and on a budget:
Wilkinson Classic razor for a fiver from Boots
Synthetic shaving brush from Body Shop for £8 (or less if you can find a coupon online)
Palmolive shave-stick for 49p from Asda or 50p elsewhere or some shaving cream - plenty available.
Or go to Jermyn Street and shop in style and with a bigger wallet.
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