Hi tylerm713,
I can't really offer "wisdom" since I'm new to str8shaving like you, but I just went down this road and can tell you what I did...for whatever that's worth.

Read, read, read...all the wiki info on beginning shaving...there are other forums for this as well, just google. I've gone over the wonderful advice offered in this forum several times..it takes awhile to absorb it all but helps when you start looking at retail websites, calling for information, etc., you'll have a better idea of what to ask about.

I too, decided to buy entry level new instead of used, just "because". I have settled on the Ralf Aust for around $100 from StraightRazorDesigns because of the reviews in this forum and others. This will be my second razor. For my first, I went with a basic set, strop and razor from Vintage Blades LLC. This was the Thiers Issard "Special Coiffeur" model, a $139.00 razor, which had good reviews also, plus I needed the strop, the package was $179, I believe.

If you need the "wet stuff" as well, I think you'd save money buying a package set, which both web sites offer. For around $200, you'll have it all.

And asking for help on type brushes, soaps, creams, balms...I gotta tell you, it'll drive you crazy. Individual threads were created just for this on these forums. Stick with one of the packages, and take all the guess work out of it so you can start shaving. If you listen to all the recommendations for individual wet gear, I'm pretty sure you'll spend more than $200 in a short while, cause you won't be able to just buy "one".

Hope this helps you a bit...oh yeah, ask me how I know re: the last sentence above.