Thread: Recommendation?

I'm new. Hi! I was looking for single edge injector blades and came across this site. Outstanding! A whole site of straight razor enthusiasts. I'd like to ask a couple of questions first and then ask for a razor recommendation.

I'm not new to shaving with a straight razor. I've been using a L.&A. (takes single edge injector blades) for about 25 years now. Actually 2 of them. I wore all the chrome off the first one and I'm well into the second. I originally started with a conventional straight razor but I didn't have a clue how to maintain the edge. Someone told me I'd never get as good of an edge as an injector blade anyway so I went to the L&A. I watched the UTube videos on honing and stropping and I could do that. I'm pretty coordinated and mechnically inclined. I assume that with a quality razor I could get an edge equal to or better than an injector blade? Professionally honed/prepped maybe once a year with normal maintenance and stropping at home?

I was thinking stainless would be better for maintenance. I'd hate to buy a fine razor and get water spots or stains on it due to a lapse in care. Is there any difference in the edge of a stainless blade compared to a carbon steel one?

The L&A seems to be fairly well balanced but on the light side. I think I'd like something with more weight to it. It's also a bit small in the tang for my rather large hands. Not that bad since I have been using it for 25 years, but I never really tried anything else.

I have sideburns that make an almost right angle into my beard that runs down my jawline into a goatee. Everything is an inch or so wide. I keep all the lines and corners very straight and sharp so I probably wouldn't want a blade with rounded corners or a blade with a smile. The L&A is 5/8 but I wouldn't have a problem with 6/8 or possibly even 7/8. A longer blade wouldn't be a problem either and maybe desirable.

I'd like to stay under $200 (probably closer to $100) dollars for the razor. any recommendations?

thanks in advance