New to the forum and have yet to put a straight razor to my face. I am going to try because i never look foreward to shaving. Electric razors make my face feel like the hair was burned off with acid. My Fusion disposables cost an arm and a leg, get hopelessly clogged up fast, and after the first use iritate my face to no end.

I have been doing my homework for the last few hours and found this site from an article on www.shavemyface.com Now comes the hard part: Digging in my wallet.

For a razor, my thoughts were to pick up a pair from an antique store and pay someone here to put an edge on them. I have seen lots of them and never paid em any attension. Figure i can have 2 ready to use for the same price as a descent new one and someone from the site can make a few bucks from me.
My question is what do i look for? Some are probably only suited for looking nice as an antique. Other then the obvious heavy rust or nicks in the blade, what makes a particular razor atractive as an item to return to service?

As suggested by everyone, i will probably spend on good soap. That will be useful even if a straight razor isnt for me. Then need a brush and afordable strop. I would be happy if i can keep my initial cost around $100

Kinda struck me as wierd that theres a whole comunity of folks that are pasionate about shaving, but im glad you are here.