Welcome to the forum. Everyone else has already pointed you in the right direction RE samples, so I won't go there save to agree with hrfdez about Maggard. Top of the line for service, IMO.
For a beginner looking for great quality at a good price, check out the Razorock line of soaps. Most are between $7-$10, there are practically a boatload of different ones, and they will all perform quite well, with no issues in lathering for a newb.
Cella has already been mentioned, but I second it. As well, if you have a Bath & Body works near you, check out their C.O. Bigelow cream. $10 for a big tube, and they have buy two get one free sales frequently. Go ahead and buy, don't even debate it. Great cream,same as Proraso Green, just in a different container/branded differently for B&BW, and a cream that is in almost every wetshaver's den, for a reason. Good, solid product at a fair price.