I use that $12 set as well. I have no problem with it. VDH soap is good and lathers well and a boar brush works well with harder soap (as opposed to cream).
You may decide that you don't need anything else. It's not junk.
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Some observations:
Knife manufacturers are professionals; hobbyist razor honers are amateurs.
Honing a razor, stropping it and and making lather aren't really that difficult, but like Glen said it does take does take a fair amount of practice to get the feel of what works.
His shaving advice is golden!
Jeff