I just started using a double edged safety razor about six months ago. I've got a Merkur 180 razor that's pretty substantial and doesn't require me to apply pressure to my skin. I've just got a cheap-ish Tweezerman badger brush. I buy Merker blades in bulk in Amazon. For soap I just use a Van Der Hagen 'puck' in a ceramic ramequin.

I now have the best and closest shaves of my life with little to no irritation of my skin. This probably has as much to do with the preparation and shaving techniques that I have picked up with my new shaving style. I can't see myself ever going back to the days of disposable blades and creams in aerosol cans.

I can also second the recommendation of the book above - "Leisureguy's Guide to Gourmet Shaving"