Best material used for the handle, and the brand for best value?

Hi, this is my first post on here, and I am interested in getting into using a straight blade.
I will keep it simple, basically I want to know if I am even allowed to ask about materials suck as Ivory or Tortoise Shell?
My great grandad had a straight razor made from Ivory, but this is back Australia in my home country, and now I live in the UK.
I doubt that my parents could send me this?
(Also, I am not sure if I could get the blade back to working shape as it has not been used in close to 100 years)

More important is that what is the best type of blade to get is as I head that there is Dovo, and the French brand (forgot the name).

Thanks in advance

Welcome to the forum. I don't believe there is a problem with shipping ivory but I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong. Depending on the condition of the blade you may be able to get it back into form...I have blades that are well over a hundred years old that are still in service.
You can't go wrong with a Dovo or Thiers Issard as long as you get one that is "shave ready" meaning professionally honed before it's first use:)

If you want to import ivory scaled straight razors into Canada legally you need to get an import permit for the ivory and the sender ,I believe, must get an export permit from their own country. A long slow waltz to do it legally but it can be done. Just guessing that most countries operate that way too. If any Canuck wants to try you need go through Environment Canada, I kid you not, for the necessary import papers.

Bob