Tabac is an excellent quality soap for a little more than $10 bucks. Since it sounds like you're looking to be a little budget conscious, I don't know a better value. The cheaper soaps from $2 - $6 just don't compare to Tabac for lather, lubrication, etc., and going much more expensive doesn't buy you that much. I personally have a little better luck with soaps ... I even like the Tabac more than the Castle Forbes creams. Why not try the less expensive Tabac first, and see if you like it ... I'm betting you will.
Secondly, if you're on a budget, getting a used/vintage blade from the classifieds that is shave-ready is a good way to go next ... and Stainless will have a price differential as well. I would suggest looking for a "shave-ready" non-stainless from one of our known members who has a honing track-record, or the razor was honed for the seller by Lynn or someone like that. I bet you can get both the razor and Tabac for around $50 - $75 bucks and you will be well on your way and can move far enough along to for a few months to let your own experience and research guide you further. Other than your own developing skill level, I have found that the lather (soap), the initial shave-readiness of the razor, and stropping are the most important to getting a smooth shave ... so get something that gets you 90% there, while improving your shave technique.