Hi,
Last year I started to rebelled against the cost of cartridge shaving. I'd been using Fusion blades for a few years and while happy with the results I resented the cost.
I tried some cheap cartridges from Aldi, but was hugely disappointed with the result and started looking at double edge razors.
I took a chance on the Boots DE razor and once the first few shaves were over and done with I started to get the hang of it. After about a month I got an Edwin Jagger Barley handled 89 which, is a nice bit of kit but doesn't seem as close as the Boots razor. I was looking at a Merkur but living in Yorkshire decided to stick with something a bit more local.
I also got myself a sample of blades, Astra, Dorco, Shark and Wilkinson classics to try.
Initially, I wanted to avoid getting a brush, as I have lots of shave gel. However, I got to compare several different brushes and bought a super badger brush. I've got a shave bowl coming and have a Palmolive stick & Boots cream to try.
All the gear, no idea.
I've been using the EJ for a week and I'm finding it harder to get a good shave with than the Boots razor. I've only used the Derby and Astra blades so far.