I too am new to the world of straight razor shaving and collecting>>>
but I am not new to collecting toys...there are many factors that can justify the difference in price...even assuming you are comparing apples to apples (comparing entry level Dovos to top of the line TI is unfair)...
For instance, is a $39.99 Buck 110 better than a $250.00 Benchmade 690...well, both will cut well, have good balance, etc. However, the BM690 is more rare, comes with rosewood or bluewood/G10 scales...different steel for the blades, a locking liner etc. The collector value is higher; resale is higher (percentage wise)...
Another example are Rolex watches...is a $7000.00 Rolex a better watch than a $2000.00 Seiko? I chose Seiko for comparison because, like Rolex, Seiko makes its own movements and, thus, is a rarity in the watch world. The truth is the Seiko is an amazing value...until you are trapped in Bumfreakistan and have to blow town in a hurry...Rolex is coin of the realm in all +/- 200 countries on the planet...that Seiko will get you a cup of coffee, MAYBE. There is no denying the fit and finish of the Rolex is superior, the movement (even though both are in-house) is a tiny jewel and a thing to behold (Ferrari vs Toyota Avalon)...in 15 years your Rolex will be worth as much or more than you paid for it...the Seiko...two weeks old is about 60-70%...there is a reason that real, working, deep sea divers choose Rolex (typically a Sea Dweller)...they are time honored, tested and balls on reliable...that said, the Seiko is a real steal and will keep time nearly as well as the Rolex if regulated properly (kind of like proper honing of a razor)...
Thus, there is a lot more going on in the pricing than just the components...shavewise I suspect it's all about the same...but my philosophy is simple...
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a1/...loudcustom.jpg
Applies to razors too :) :)
Regards, Ted