I was in the same position that you are in, 4 months ago. I was apprehensive about buying used because I didn't know what razors were worth the investment and just because they were shave ready didn't mean much when I see everyone on this site throwing around names, manufacturers, carbon, stainless, etc. If an unknown name is shave ready, what's different from a Double Duck that is shave ready?! So, I went with the combo from Straight Razors Design. Sure, it's a little more than a vintage razor but I recognize the name and the store. That isn't a bust on anyone that is selling on this site, I'm sure they are all respectable sellers, but after weeks of research, I was tired of reading/weighing/documenting to determine if the seller I was buying from was a smart decision.

As for the brush and soap, I stuck with a Nivea shave cream for a few months and eventually gave in to buying a brush (Franks, Ebay) and shaving cream from Sephora (Jack Black). Yes, not the normal shaving cream, but I like B&M stores that I can walk in to and I didn't want to drop $30 at Art of Shaving. In the end, I am really glad I did - that was the difference between a good shave and a great shave! Plus, the process of making the lather "completed" the overall process.

Other than that, I recommend the 3" strop.