goodness me where to start?

[Arrowhead]

If you know that you have very soft water, the Mitchell's soap should be fine. If you're in any doubt, skip it for now. If it's the latter and you have no grave objection to the smell of almonds, here's a good alternative from Connaught which comes with a bowl:
http://www.connaughtshaving.com/cella.html

There's always the option of a tub of cream from D R Harris or Taylor of Old Bond Street - you won't go far wrong with either of them, and again you get a bowl. (And it'll be waterproof, unlike a wooden one).

Whether you go with any of the above or not, get some Palmolive as recommended by everyone above, for good reason.

 

[toastie]

All above advice is good. There are also a few threads on here to get your name on a list if those trying a particularrazir or selection of blades for a week (for free ) before moving it on to the next person. This might be an option at some stage for you. There are also occasionally freebies on the forum - keep an eye out.

If there is a particular blade you want send me a PM and I'll send you out a couple for free or something similar if I don't have any

thank you so much for the kind offer that is a lovely gesture and maybe when i figure out what on earth im doing:huh: i will take you up on that

 

[smartmove]

I recently started DE shaving and have the following setup, I am very happy with it.

EJ DE89 Razor : http://www.amazon.co.uk/Edwin-Jagger-De89bl-Chrome-Plated/dp/B003LW4L2W/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1319098565&sr=8-1

EJ Pure Badger Brush : http://www.amazon.co.uk/Edwin-Jagger-Ivory-Coloured-Plastic-Shaving/dp/B003LW4NVG/ref=pd_sim_d_1

Blades are a mixed choice but am really like Feather blades at the moment, very sharp but if you go easy a great shave.

For shaving cream I am loving Bluebeards Revenge : http://www.amazon.co.uk/Bluebeards-Revenge-Luxury-Shaving-Cream/dp/B004FH7QQ0/ref=sr_1_2?s=drugstore&ie=UTF8&qid=1319098674&sr=1-2

For aftershave balm I am also using Bluebeards : http://www.amazon.co.uk/Bluebeards-Revenge-Post-Shave-Balm/dp/B004HOG0VS/ref=sr_1_1?s=drugstore&ie=UTF8&qid=1319098697&sr=1-1

 

[Professor Blighty]

EJ DE87
7 o,clock yellows
Bodger
Taylors/Harris/Vulfix/Connaughts cream (any)

Can't go wrong.