I'm a razor-noob, and want a cheap/reliable first razor. Is Golden Dollar brand Ok?

I'm a new convert, as in: I recently decided to start straight razor shaving. I have already purchased some necessary razor maintenance items from Ebay, but I ran into an article discouraging me from buying "cheap" razors, by discrediting them as bad quality. I was planning on buying a Golden Dollar brand razor, specifically the #100 "high-carbon" steel blade. I read about this brand as being pretty reliable on a forum similar to this one, so I thought I was good to go. Seeing as I'm a razor noob, I need some guidance. Is Golden Dollar a good reliable razor to start with? If not, I'm looking for a good reliable starting razor for hopefully less than $30. It doesn't need to be professionally sharpened, as I consider myself pretty proficient with a honing stone. Is it possible to find a good razor this cheap, if the Golden Dollar brand razors are sub-par?

P.S. I apologize for posting the same question in two sections, I wasn't sure which one to post it in. Please reply to either, I really need some guidance, or good advice.

The Gold Dollars are not a good choice to start your straight razor adventure with. I believe the steel is good, BUT the razors need to be modified to work. I would look at the classified's on here.

Gold Dollars are good razors. But I wouldn't recommend it for a beginner, unless it's been sharpened by someone who is considered by many paying customers as proficient at honing straight razors for shaving use.

Great Advice! Thank you much!!

What is important is that your razor is properly honed and is sharp enough to be considered 'shave ready'. Gold Dollars have tons of problems from the factory and not only do not meet the 'shave ready' criterion, but getting them there could be fairly involved.

Your best bet is to pay attention not to the brand but to the qualification and reputation of the person/company who vouches that the razor you buy from them is indeed shave-ready. If you do your homework you'll be good.

P.S. It is usually a pretty bad deal to buy a razor in need of fixing and then pay for the additional work - it'll typically end up costing you several times what you could've spent for the same quality, had you bought the thing already good to go.

I hone razors, I have honed a good number of Gold Dollars, many of which needed modification. too many. I understand the necessity of watching costs, but if you can not buy a new razor please buy a vintage razor from one of our recommended vendors or check out our classifieds. Welcome to SRP, we pride ourselves in the quality of our information and wish you the best of luck, enjoy the ride, it will be worth it. If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to ask.