If $100 for a kit is too much, you're in the "low rent" district.

Larry, at WhippedDog.com, specializes in low-cost (but good-quality and properly honed) vintage blades. He also has a "Poor Man's Strop Kit" that will get you started nicely.

The "classifieds" on this site occasionally have low-priced vintage razors -- take a look.

Brushes can be inexpensive at local pharmacies. You might want to use a soap better than Williams (which is really cheap, but many people hate it). "Proraso" is widely available, and in a "mid-price" range. The Body Shop also has a shaving cream ("maca root") which is very good, similarly priced.

Don't walk into an "Art of Shaving" store.<g>

charles