After I acquire one more razor to complete my must have list (a light blue scaled filly doble temple), I would like to have a custom in my rotation also. The problem is, I don't really have enough capital to have a top of the line custom made.

What should I be asking for to keep the costs down under $250 when ordering from one of the more well known razor makers? I personally don't want bone or expensive wood scales, though carbon would be a nice pipe dream, and high grade steel is also out the window.

What I do want though is a smiling blade with darkened metal and a French point. That is the only thing I wont budge on.

I realise that there is much more thing to factor in to the making of a razor (jimps, spine, grind, tail, point, etc...), but that is what i am asking help on to keep the costs low.

Thanks in advance for all the advice and help.