Hey guys,

I'm 19 and after trying cartridges and electric shavers for the past 3-4 years, I want a better shave. I'm tired of shaving either by the sink or in the shower and getting the same crappy shave every-time, having it look like a 5 o clock shadow right after a shave.

The problem is that I'm in college right now so budgeting is a problem. I don't want to spend more than $50 on a new kit, especially when I'm not sure I will even like it or could use it. I anticipate shaving every other day and think that I can set aside up to 15 minutes a day for shaving.

After looking at a few forums and their wikis, it seems that straight razors with a permanent blade and replaceable blade "shavettes" or brands other than Dovo are the two best options. It has been suggested that shavettes are a good stepping stone to straight shavers, though this isn't agreed upon. The prices and work involved certainly make the shavette-style seem like the better economical and efficient buy. I don't want to try DE shavers, since I just don't like the style and they seem to be pretty bad.

So my question is:

1) What would you do if you were on a budget and weren't sure if this was your thing?
2) What brand would you recommend of either a replaceable or permanent blade?
3) What else would I need and where would be the best place to get the stuff? I prefer buying online because I doubt I can find anything good around me. I'm in Southern California, if that helps.