Welcome, you'll find good friends and good advice here, I have. You may want to explore this site for a razor in the "just under hunnert bucks" range: Home. Mr. Tony Miller at: The Well Shaved Gentleman The Heirloom Razor Strop Company will sell you a $40 strop that you'll cherish. He calls it his "Plain Vanilla". Learn stropping and learn it well. Go slow and get it down pat. Rub it briskly with your palm before use and you are in. It is an activity you'll come to love. Tweezerman's badger is a good brush to start off with or an Omega boar if you like boar bristle. Both are cheap. After some use the boar will split its ends and become very soft and more useful. They all smell like wet animal when new. A little vinegar washing, then some mild detergent and a couple shave soap washings will get rid of the animal smell. Making shave lather with a brush can be an art in itself. Do your reading on honing and purchasing hones. I'm a natural stone, plain, clean strop guy so my advice there may or may not suit. Is this a great hobby or what!

Oh yes, these guys: Men's Wet Shaving, Grooming, Skin and Hair Care - West Coast Shaving are a fine bunch to deal with as well.

When you have questions or concerns, ask.

Regards

Chasmo