Straight-Edge Razors - the Ultimate BFL Shaving Setup
About 20 years ago when I was in my late teens, I started learning how to shave, using videos on YouTube. I hated the idea of using the same stuff that my brother used, which were those disposable cartridge-razors. Partially because I have dry, sensitive skin that's very susceptible to razor-burn, and partially because I didn't want to be trapped into having to buy replacement blades all the time, when I was a broke highschool-kid with no disposable income.
For a few months, I used double-edge safety razors, but that still involved having to source replacement blades for the rest of my life. So within about a year of starting to learn how to shave, I decided to just bite the bullet, and learn how to use a cutthroat razor. Because of my skin, I basically have to be clean-shaven, otherwise I get unbearably itchy. If I had to do this for the rest of my life, then it was going to be as cheap, and as pleasurable as possible.
I was able to buy most of the stuff I needed secondhand. Shaving bowls and scuttles were dirt-cheap at flea-markets, strops and sharpening blocks were likewise very low-cost, secondhand.
I got lucky, and succeeded in buying a seven-piece razor set for about $300, a brush and stand for $30, and I've been using them ever since.
I was basically entirely self-taught with how to use a straight-edge razor. How to sharpen, strop, and shave. But the upside is, I haven't had to buy any replacement stuff in at least 10 years, and have no need to do so for at least another 10 years. The only thing I've occasionally had to replace is shaving-soap / cream.
If you really want to BFL and save money on shaving - go oldschool. It's cheaper in the long-run, and it's far cooler to use than some clip-on lawnmower on your face. Given the proper care, a set of straight-razors will last longer than you ever will.