Graduating... congratulations.
Tell us what you shave with now. I am a big fan of "latherin" as the
ultimate shave maker. Lots of folk jump into an open blade razor shaving
from an electric and go away unhappy. My neighbor (age 70+) loves his new
brush and shave soap with his plastic tossables.
Check the classified in this forum. I have seen very fine well honed steel for $60-$100.
Not fancy razors, not super polished but solid quality steel, correctly honed.
The modest price new Dovo is a big win at about $100.
In the end it is sharp steel vs. whiskers.
Make sure you get a quality strop to go with your new razor.
You will strop each time you use the razor.