re: Just ordered my first DE shaving kit. Advice and tips are appreciated.

Use a pre-shave oil - I use King of Shave Kinexium. I recommend start with a good cream rather than a soap.I like Proraso creams and Taylor of Old Bond Street - pick your scent, I highly recommend Lavender or Grapefruit. Get a good brush - I use a Simpson X2L Best Badger, its a great brush - and learn to make a lather with it.

I recommend a cold shave - try both, but cold feels great. Get yourself a good handle - I recommend Edwin Jagger DE 89. Sample a bunch of blades - use a particular one more than once before you move on to the next one to try.

Use quality after products. I use Geo. F. Trampler Lime if I want a balm, and L'occitane Cade cream if I need the exrtra moisturizer.

Cheers and good luck.