[kermitology]

I use tallow based soaps, with a synthetic brush to build my lather.

I use a Merkur and Astra blades. Most of the razors are the same, but a good all-round razor is the Merkur 34.

Blades are going to depend on your preference. I like the Astra's, but Gillette has a bunch of varieties, Feather is super sharp (too sharp for me) and they usually come in little 5 packs so you can get a spread of samples and find what you like before buying a big box of 50/100.

Also, my shave takes about 10 minutes with three passes. But it's an enjoyable process now.