The equipment

Here is what I ended up starting this adventure with.

Razor/Strop
The starter kit from RupRazor :
Gold Dollar 6/8 straight razor
"Filly" starter strop
$60

I especially liked this option because it came pre-sharpened and cared-for by someone who is into the craft, not just a nameless store.

Soap/Brush
Starter kit from RupRazor
$12

Shave cream
C.O. Bigelow Methol and Eucalyptus (as the title of this blog implies, I like the minty/menthol feeling). This is the same cream as "Proraso", an italian shave cream favored by italian barbers and favored by the forum community.

Shave oil
C.O. Bigelow

I had read about "uber-lather". Combining a shave soap, with a shave cream, some water and pure glycerin held the promise of some very creamy, rich later. I gave it a shot later on and loved it.

When I started I had no idea what all was needed, so I read about all of this stuff from the forums, mainly StraightRazorPlace.