Great thread Gents. I went DE about 6 months ago and will never ever go back. I got all my gear from Amazon and they have great pricing on handles, brushes, shave soaps, after shave and blades...Now this isn't a switch in getting speed, if you desire to keep all your blood "inside" of you, take your time...watch videos & above all else "take your time"...don't skip steps...I can do a two-pass shave after 6-months of practice in about 5-minutes without issue.
Here is the list of gear that worked wonders for me;
Edwin Jagger De89lbl Double Edge Safety Razor Chrome Plated (I have tried many and found this one works best for me)
http://www.amazon.com/Edwin-Jagger-De89lbl-Double-Safety/dp/B002RBF1PO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1378170275&sr=8-1&keywords=edwin+jagger+safety+razor
Edwin Jagger 1ej947sds Traditional English Best Badger Hair Shaving Brush (spend the extra money on a good brush, don't screw around with cheaper ones, they won't do the job they are designed to do)
http://www.amazon.com/Edwin-Jagger-1ej947sds-Traditional-English/dp/B002QI45Z0/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1378170389&sr=8-2&keywords=edwin+jagger+best+badger
Proraso Shaving Soap, Eucalyptus & Menthol, 5.2 oz ( Fantastic shave soap )
http://www.amazon.com/Proraso-Shaving-Eucalyptus-Menthol-Formulation/dp/B00837YY18/ref=sr_1_sc_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1378170504&sr=8-2-spell&keywords=proarso
Proraso Proraso Liquid Cream After-Shave 3.4oz
http://www.amazon.com/Proraso-Liquid-Cream-After-Shave-3-4oz/dp/B0007XBHIE/ref=sr_1_sc_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1378170593&sr=8-3-spell&keywords=proarso+after+shave
100 Astra Superior Premium Platinum Double Edge Safety Razor Blades ( I really enjoy these, great balance for "my face", my advice as "one" DE blade doesn't fit all faces is to get a sampler pack and be VERY careful with the Feather Double Edge Blades)
http://www.amazon.com/Astra-Superior-Premium-Platinum-Double/dp/B001QY8QXM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1378170819&sr=8-1&keywords=double+edge+safety+blades