Hello all!!

Firstly, I do not yet own a straight razor, but I intend (once I get my next pay check) to try to get into this art. I have been wanting to try straight razor shaving for years and I recently decided I would start. I have found that for me I have that 5 o'clock shadow, or a considerable stubble, 4 hours after I shave (using the fusion power: 5 blades that vibrate; works "well enough" and since I have thick facial hair most safety, and all electric, razors fail or hurt to use on my face) so since I have done some research I think that this course is my best bet for a smoother longer lasting and more enjoyable shave than what I am hacking my face with at the moment.

Secondly, I live action role-play, or LARP, and for those that don't know what that is, its a bunch of people (men and women where I go, ranging from 16 to 40+) going into the woods and playing/acting out a fantasy/DnD style game (we rent a boy scout camp for the weekend). There is no dice involved (unless you are in the tavern playing a game of chance while in character) and we don't use really weapons (pipe foam wrapped around pvc pipes held together and decorated with duct tape are the materials we use to make our "boffer weapons"). We take on a different personality, or become a character, for the entire weekend, and this is even as we sleep, and shave as it were (so we can be "killed" in our sleep if we are not carefully of our choices of roommates. we use the cabins/bring tents at the camp and try to lock doors).

It is needless to say that I cant just whip out my crappy-disposable-half-plastic-razor and aerosol can of shaving cream to shave, but I can't just not shave because I have tried to keep my character with a shaved head and only a goatee. I definitely like the idea of using a straight razor as a "prop" in game but I also want it for everyday use, so before I bring it into the game I need to get proficient with it in real life so I don't kill myself while in the woods (as per safety rules if I get attacked by enemies while shaving I would shout caution and put the razor down safely then we call game on or what not and I proceed to defend myself/get beaten to death).

I have read this[PDF] so I know a little about straight razors, but I was wondering if (since I am strapped for cash) this disposable razor be an acceptable beginning razor? if not, then I know that I would want a half-hollow round, or semi-round, pointed blade with a wooden or wood-look handle, but I don't know where to get this sort of thing on a limited budget of around $50 and no more than $100. I am going to look at ebay/amazon and such, but I just don't know which brands/models to stay away from as a beginner (I am ok with learning to hone the blade before I use it).

Thank you for all of your help!

~opakedragon