I was like you Kuzi, I had HORRIBLE razor burn. I hated to shave. Now smooth sailing. One thing I would recommend is not doing the Against the grain pass. you will not be baby but smooth but nobody will ever notice. For me it causes to much irritation.
As for equipment. here is were it gets tricky. the old adage you get what you pay for does and does not apply.
Brushes.. I think this is the most important part that you could buy. Don't buy the wal-mart williams brush. it is just Piece of crap no matter what Dustin says. If you are looking to do it on the cheap go with something like this
Brush If you want to spend a little more and get an awesome brush I would do this
Another brush I love his brush that I bought from him
Razor. Go the Ebay route, or antique. they are so easy to sanitize that it is no big deal. I like to use a 60's era Gillete Supper Speed.
Soap VS cream. Try em both. there are so many different choices. I like Taylor of Bond street cream. But I have used Mama bear soaps and love them as well.
Blades. got to get the sampler for here
Westcost Shaving
Also Check out Badger and Blade dot Com.
It is a shaving forum and there is SOOOOOOOOOOOO much information there.
.