Hello, Straightnoob:

You will prefer the Edwin Jagger 89L with the lined handle. It will give you a better grip than the chrome handle without lines at which you are looking on Amazon.

For blades, I use Feather and the Gillette 7 O'Clock "sharp edge" blades in the yellow packet. Yes, they both are sharp, but that's what a blade should be. And of course, you need to use care when shaving no matter what the brand of your blade. Might as well go, then, with blades considered by many as some of the best.

Some of the others that I have used and find passable are Derby, Personna and Crystal, among others. I did not like the Merkurs, as I found them rough. With the Merkurs, gentlemen either like them or dislike them.

Westcoastshaving.com has sample packs of several different blades. Start there for your blades. If you have more questions, please don't hesitate to ask. Good luck.

Regards,
Obie