John,
Check out John Crowley's website. He has some 8/8 Friodurs on sale for $99.00, that's pretty hard to beat. I have 2 of the 7/8 blades and there are very few razors that will shave that well for the price. Hell, it's hard to find a Dove at that price!
A nice blade like that and some good prep will allow you to chop through the heaviest beard.
Good Luck,
Fred