Relatively New to All This.
I started out four months ago with straight razors. Certain names and brands kept being mentioned on SRP as "really good shavers.". In addition to Wade & Butcher, a few other names were Boker, Geo. Wostenholm, dubl duck, Solingen, Heljestrand, Thiers-Issard, Le Grelot P-Hospital, Dovo, Henckels, Case Red Imp, Hart Steel, Filarmonica, and Torrey.
I have a total of 25 razors, all in rotation. I find all of them give me a good shave and I enjoy using a variety of brands, styles, and sizes. I have yet to capture a Filarmonica because the entry price is just too great for my billfold.
For smoothness and comfort, the best two are a 5/8 Wade & Butcher "The Celebrated" and a 5/8 Wostenholm "Original Pipe Razor." These two razors just feel great on the skin. For me, I would rate these two as superior razors.
I have a Heljestrand No. 6 and - Heljestrand MK 24. Both of these are excellent but provide a totally different feel compared to the Sheffield razors. They seem to have a sharper feeling to the edge as it glides over the face.
What are my current favorite razors? A older 5/8 Le Grelot P-Hospital Medaille d'or Paris, 1931 and a new 6/8 Thiers-Issard Le Grelot, 2011. These provide the best all-around shave of all my razors. They are sharp and fast like a Porsche and smooth and comfortable like a Mercedes E-350. Both of these seem to be a natural extension of my hand. They just feel "right."
I have discovered that, if correctly honed, all of my razors can provide an "A" shave. The choice to love a particular razor is more involved and subjective. I am fickle because I truly love whatever razor is in my hand at the moment.
Only you can decide how much is too much to pay for a given razor. I only buy razors that I plan to use so I stay away from the really high priced "collectors" items. Remember, fads come and go. Don't be afraid to be patient. There will always be another razor.
Happy Shaving.
:y