I bought the cheaper beginner kit because I wanted to try straight razor shaving without committing too much money in case I for some reason ended up not liking it. I'm very happy to say though that it's exactly what I thought it would be, so thank you Razor Emporium for introducing me to my new hobby!

Let me first say that I'm very new to straight razor shaving. Like this is my 2nd month doing it new. Before I bought this kit I wanted to try the replaceable straight blades first to see if I could do it. I loved it. So I ordered this modified kit and I am so glad I did! Like I said I'm very new to this and because Razor Emporium are THE BEST AT WHAT THEY DO, I will never get my supplies from anyone else! I got the Ralf Aust 5/8 and I couldn't be any happier with my whole experience. I can't speak for any other maker than Ralf Aust but, this razor came shave ready out of the box. All I did was wipe the blade, did 15 laps on the canvas strop and 20 on the leather and it was ready to go. The shave was quite slow so that I didn't cut myself but, I am blown away by this razor and by the staff of Razor Emporium! Thank you guys for such an amazing experience!

I've shaved with a safety razor for a couple years, and wanted to try a straight... but also didn't want to drop a lot of money, while at the same time not wanting a possibly dull cheap razor. I still have to get my technique down, but this kit is everything I hoped it would be.

Awesome