inspectorgadget,

+1 on flylot's advice. You should at minimum factor in the cost of a strop and brush as part of the initial investment.

As for your razor choice...Personally, I would go with the Dovo as a starter. They are good shavers at a reasonable price. If you purchase a combo of razor, strop, etc. the total cost will be less than if you purchase each of the items separately.

One other thing...You may think that you will only purchase one razor to cherish for a lifetime, but believe me, str8 razors are like rabbits--they breed incessantly. Few devotees of str8 razor shaving make do with only one razor.

Take care. Happy birthday and smooth shaving...