There's definitely a bit of a learning curve. I highly suggest watching a YouTube video tutorial on how to use a safety razor it is nothing like shaving with a cartridge razor. I decided to give it another try after nearly a decade when I bought this kit a month ago. The razor head and body of much higher quality than the one I used many years ago. I'm still working on my technique and I've still certainly cut myself every time but I am getting better with it. I have very sensitive skin and I bleed easily. I've been able to get a much closer shave than I did with a cartridge razor at least with the Derby and Astra blades something about the Shark blades I can't seem to get a good shave with so I'm glad they sent 3 different blade samples. Maybe the Shark blades are ok if you can shave against the grain but my skins too sensitive and I end up a bloody mess if I try shaving against the grain even with a cartridge razor. The shave soaps and after shave balm smell great. I had never used Alum before and I don't think I will be using it much as the burning feels like pouring salt on a wound (I suspect because that is essentially what it is). I find if I just shave before I shower any n

There's definitely a bit of a learning curve. I highly suggest watching a YouTube video tutorial on how to use a safety razor it is nothing like shaving with a cartridge razor. I decided to give it another try after nearly a decade when I bought this kit a month ago. The razor head and body of much higher quality than the one I used many years ago. I'm still working on my technique and I've still certainly cut myself every time but I am getting better with it. I have very sensitive skin and I bleed easily. I've been able to get a much closer shave than I did with a cartridge razor at least with the Derby and Astra blades something about the Shark blades I can't seem to get a good shave with so I'm glad they sent 3 different blade samples. Maybe the Shark blades are ok if you can shave against the grain but my skins too sensitive and I end up a bloody mess if I try shaving against the grain even with a cartridge razor. The shave soaps and after shave balm smell great. I had never used Alum before and I don't think I will be using it much as the burning feels like pouring salt on a wound (I suspect because that is essentially what it is). I find if I just shave before I shower any n

This was my first time trying to shave my bread (I've only used trimmers before).

I had a good idea on how to use each item in the kit, but had to rely on the internet to make sure (Google Search, ChatGPT, etc.) I wasn't misusing any item.

It would be great if you could ask the user during purchase if it's their first time trying out shaving, and if they selected Yes you can include a written guide in the kit on how to use each item.

But with a little bit of internet search I was able to safely complete my first clean shave all by myself!

Thank You!

This kit is fantastic! It has everything you need to get started using a safety razor. No more buying razor packs at the store for me. I will be using Stirling Soap Co. for all future shaving needs. I am also super excited to try their other products such as lotions and conditioner bars. The scents are superb and the customer service is great!

A fantasic product! Super excited to try more. The scents are incredible and the quality is superior.

I've been enjoying my starter kit and look forward to the shaving experience that I get with it. Love the different soaps and trying the different blades.

A bowl for lathering the soap would have been nice, but that's the only negative I have.

Helped me get into wet shaving which improved my shaving experience for half the price of a resupply of cartridge refills.

The menthol pre shave soap is awesome! Closet shave ever!
Very satisfied. Gonna buy a kit for my 22 year old son.

Excellent Starter kit! Everything you need to dip your toes into wet shaving. A little bit of variety so you can fine tune your preferences. Well thought out and high quality.

Just got into wet shaving as a college student, always heard my dad talking about it and was frustrated with disposable razors irritating my skin so I made the switch. I am very happy with what I got. The basic kit has everything you need if you want to get into this kind of shaving. Easy recommendation from me. Also already purchased more from here for my dad.

I've been interested in wet shaving for a while but was sufficiently intimidated by the process to never pull the trigger. This was a great way to get everything you need in one go.

I love the quality of the product, and the sampler pack is a great way to try some different things to find what you like. I really like all the scents I chose but am discovering favorites. I love that nothing smells artificial or overly aggressive, just subtle and distinct. Soaps are very smooth and moisturizing.

I'm also very happy with the quality of the shave I'm getting. Watch a few YouTube videos, and you'll be all set. The first one or two times is a little awkward, but then it's like second nature. So far, I'm enjoying a smooth shave with minimal nicks (all my fault) and no irritation or razor burn.

Very happy with Stirling and this set. I plan to stick with wet shaving and will be back to restock in the future.

Amazing company!

Great gift for my oldest son who loves wet shaving!!

I've wanted to get into shave soap for a long time and didn't know where to start. I'm someone who takes great care of my beard when I have one and figured it made sense to take great care of my face when I DON'T have a beard. This soap lathers and smells amazing. As someone who has never used shave soap, the difference between this and your run of the mill shave creams is insane. This shave soap left my face feeling the smoothest it's ever felt - not to mention the amazing scents. I've used a double edged razor for quite some time, but this shave kit really improved the shaving experience. The aftershave splashes are amazing, and the pre-shave soap really helped open my pores. I have really thick, coarse facial hair and the combination of the pre-shave soap and shave soap gave me the closest shave I've ever had. The aluminum block is cleaner/easier to use than any styptic pencil/powder you could buy. I'm really impressed with this kit and I've loved the scents so much I just ordered some bath soaps and shampoo! Well done, Stirling!

I bought the Basic Starter Kit as a Christmas present for my husband. He has expressed his interest in getting started with wet shaving for some time now. After a lot of research into wet shaving, I settled on the Stirling Soap kit because of all the outstanding reviews I have read about their company on various sites (reddit etc.) I also like to support family businesses. I couldn't be happier with my purchase! It arrived only a few days after placing the order and it was packaged beautifully and ready to wrap. Thank you for packaging everything so nicely! We will be repeat customers for many years to come!

I am in love with your products. You have the best prices, and everything you get to get started is amazing for what you actually get. Just the razor and brush alone most people would have paid for what you guys give this whole set for. Purely amazing. My shaving game just went up to a whole new level. Thank you guys, you rock.

After decades of being a disposable razor guy, I decided that I wanted to switch to wet shaving. After almost a year of reading and learning about what to look for, I chose Stirling after hearing amazing reviews on Reddit. I am so glad that I did.

My Basic Starter Kit arrived very quickly, with everything that I had ordered (not to mention a few extras). The shave soap, aftershave and shave balm smell AMAZING. The brush seems to be very well made, and I haven't had any issues with stray hairs falling out of the handle. The razor itself is solid, well balanced, and shaves ridiculously close with minimal effort.

Every interaction I have had with Stirling so far has been pleasurable, and thanks to their products, I actually look forward to shaving now!

Liked it enough I bought one for my brother.

Love the soaps, scents, razors, and little touch of the hand written thanks you note.

Bought this kit to try out a de razor for the first time. Not wanting to spend a ton of money until I knew if I liked the style of shaving I settled on this kit because it seemed like the most bang for my buck. I'll be back for more soaps and other products, I really like the Texas on fire and vanilla sandlewood.

I can't tell you enough how much I appreciate your products in this kit!!! It has everything that I was looking for to introduce me to the world of wet shaving with a DE Razor.
Since I began shaving 30 years ago, I have struggled to find a product that would take care of the redness that appears on my neck as a result of razor burn, ingrown hairs, infected skin from a botched straight razor shave at a traditional barber shop (don't ask!). I avoided shaving my neck only when I had an important meeting or my wife began to complain and send teen wolf references my general direction.
But now, oh man, I feel like I have found the holy grail. Not only do I enjoy a wet shave, but the Stirling products are also amazing. I had no idea that lather was supposed to feel like this. To be completely transparent, this is my first shave soap from an artisan soap company, but I can't imagine a better experience.
I began with the sample size Margaritas in the Artic, and I absolutely love the menthol. Perfect amount for morning shaves accompanied by the cooling aftershave to match.
Kudos to the owners for such an amazing product at such a bargain. I almost wish that the soap didn't last as long so I could dig into my other soaps(notice, I said almost). I'm still loving the scent and my wife loves the bravado it has given me in the morning. I hit the day already feeling accomplished.

Great starter kit. Came with everything needed to get started. I'll likely get one for my brother too! Barbershop, executive man, and stirling gentlemen smell amazing.

This is my first real shaving experience. I wanted to try something nice for myself. Well the scents are amazing and everything feels amazing on my face. Currently using the sharp dressed man soap with the synthetic brush. The soap smells great and makes my wife feel lustful. The brush feels great on my face. I have the menthol face pre shave soap. My face feels free and clear everytime I use it. Well worth the value of what I paid.

After years of razor burn and shaving being a chore I came across the wicked_edge subreddit and decided to take a chance on changing up my shaving regime. Gone are the days of canned lather, disposable razors, drudgery, and razor burn.

This kit has a nice selection. For starters, the variety of shaving soaps is perfect for starting out. Three different scents allows you to peruse Stirling's soap selection and how they approach their scents. My choices included Conifer, Executive Man, and Bay Rum. They're all appropriate in strength and very enjoyable.

Secondly, having a selection of razors to try from has been fun. I apparently grow copper wire on my face and having a choice of what razor works for me means I'll continue to use my razor.

There are other nice additions to this kit: after shave, alum, and pre-shave soap. The alum stick is new to me but a great new addition. I don't feel the pre-shave soap does anything for me but the mentholated freshness it brings is refreshing!

Do buy this kit if you're tired of disposable razors, crappy shaves, and are ready to carve out an awesome moment in your day to make yourself feel like a million dollars. Don't buy this kit if you like smelling cheap, enjoy razor burn, or don't have the time to treat yourself with an awesome shave.

Everything has been more than I hoped it to be. All of the soaps and aftershaves smell fantastic, the one razor I've used so far has been great, shipping was fast and they even gave me a free sample of the Vanilla Sandalwood bath soap! I will definitely be buying more in the future.