I have been using the Dovo Shavette system for a while now, the green insert with the longer and firmer blade that they say is the most similar to an actual straight razor, and am now thinking of making the jump to an actual straight razor. I have gotten comfortable enough and consistent enough that I feel I will be sticking with straight razor shaves and therefore ready to make the financial investment in a razor and all that comes with it.

My hesitance at this point is in not knowing which brand to start with, I know Dovo is good, but there are cheaper options, like the website, Vintage Straight Razor they have a Damascus Steel blade, but it seems to good to be true. Also the vintage razors out there, I like the idea of a vintage razor, but do not know which sites/dealers I can trust. So what I am asking is to be pointed in a good direction.

I do not want plastic scales because, well, I hate plastic, especially on something that is going to cost over $100.

Also, I no longer use a shaving cream brush because I have found that the American Crew Precision Shave Gel is better then any other cream/soap/butter I have used yet and I highly recommend it.