Hello all, first I would like to say it looks like you have a fairly nice little community on here and I am glad for a chance to be a part of it.

I became interested in using a strait razor when I got tired of spending so much money on disposable razors that never seem to stay sharp long and always run out when I am trying to balance my budget between rent and food(i.e. most of the time). I also am fed up with the lousy condition these multiple blade cartridges leave my only face in, and the gunk that invariably gets collected inside the tiny crevices. Seems simple is often better and I just love the idea of shaving and scraping the dead skin OFF my face as opposed to collecting it in my razor. So I am determined to wield the strait razor once I am proficient with it.

My only difficulty lies in the fact that I have an extremely limited budget while I am in school and though I do not mind spending $50-$75 on a blade if I no longer have to buy cartridges, I simply could not do this more then once and still be able to feed myself. Unlike many guys, I actually do not have a very thick beard so its not like I need some kind of heavy duty equipment to get the job done. I understand other things like a strop and grindstone may also be required, but once again initial investments are not a bad thing as long as the money is properly spent.

Naturally I like the DOVO "Best Quality" Straight Razor, 4/8 here:
http://www.classicshaving.com/catalo...940/219362.htm
for its price. I would prefer to avoid the cheaper disposable "Shavette"

So to conclude this long post, what is a good, low cost blade to start with? Kits would be nice as well.

Thank you for your time,
Joel