The right tools for the right job.
I recently upgraded my cheapo introductory straight razor for a mid range Dovo which arrived yesterday from Vintage Blades. Much to my surprise it had a decal that said it was personally sharpened and stropped making it shave ready by Lynn himself. I also upgraded what I am guessing was a Boer Hair brush as the new Badger one I got whipped up a much nicer fluff that lasted much longer than I have ever managed with the previous brush. I shaved using both for the first time this morning and I was impressed by the overall difference between the cheapo and the recent upgrade. I managed a full face shave with the grain, a cross grain and then against the grain shave with out neary a nick. I am so happy I decided to fork over the money and upgrade my shaving tools.
The set I bought online through Ebay consisted of 2 cheap blades, a brush, strop, mug and soap for $29 + shipping. I look at it as money well spent as I begin to aquire the skills to give myself a decent straight razor shave. It allowed me to get my feet wet so to speak before I shelled out the $ to see if it was something I really wanted to continue. That being said, the upgraded razor, brush, soap and strop definitely make a difference and feel much more comfortable in my hands while I shave. I have asked Mrs. Santa for another razor to keep as an alternate and directed her to Vintage Blades.
