Stand is optional mostly. Just makes it look nicer on the counter. Probably helps it dry a bit faster, letting them sit wet is one of the biggest things that dulls blades.
Also, first impression on that brush: softer and stiffer than my cheap badger hair. After using it: it's shit, won't lather well, spend $8 for proper animal hair.
They smell pretty, and are more lubricating, cost less in the long run(say, 4th can of goo runs out around the same time as that soap that cost 2x as much)
If you get decent stuff, yeah. If you get cheap supermarket garbage, then it's really only good if you're one of those people who decide shaving is some kinda personal time/morning ritual thing. I ain't about that.
But maybe get some soap and a cheap badger hair brush after this can or the next one. Proraso is good/cheap, dunno what else is out there nowadays. I went overboard and I've been working through my stock for a few years.
Gotta get all hipster with it, get dat N.O.S. Fatboy, nothing but the finest silvertip badger in your vintage brush handle, with your custom Etsy shave bowl that you've heated up ahead of time, while you rotate through your stack of hot towels.
