Peering into the rabbit hole ... Japanese brands?

[Zhang Doe]

If you go the Japanese route, I would recommend something like a Ribbon, though the scales
are not up your standards.These razors were designed by R Saito for beginning barbers. They
are very good shavers and an easy entry point. I have seen good ones on a well-known auction
site in your price range. If you use lapping film and diamond pasted strops you can maintain it
easily and cheaply (though stone-honing purists may disapprove). I agree with Zwilling on giving
a pass on stainless. The stainless selection is fewer and they may require more frequent honing. The
only Japanese stainless razor that have seen in a Tanifuji Max-fli 5000, which is not easy to find and
most likely not in your budget.

Thanks. I started looking at Friodur stainless steel razors with the understanding that while they are a bigger pain to hone, they keep their edge longer. The costs I have seen online are pretty reasonable. But if that's not true and there's a huge time commitment to maintenance either way ... well, I still want to try this just because it's a traditional ritual and I think those are cool and disappearing over time, but I can probably afford to be patient and keep an eye out for a really good deal.

For now, I have a bigger priority on getting a Feather DX. I can find good prices on the folding version, but I think I would prefer the kamisori style.

 

[Nishy]

I didn't enjoy the stainless steel straight razor I bought. I found the steel and resulting edge too harsh? A Gold Dollar shouldn't be laughed at IMO. If you get a decent razor, technique and the edge will make a huge difference. Hence a Gold Dollar can be fit for purpose. As a matter of fact I really enjoy shaving with my GD lovely edge.
Japanese and Swedish steel razors are my favourites though.

 

[R181]

Like so many things in the shaving world, whether or not you find shaving with a stainless steel straight razor satisfactory or not varies person to person. I never had a problem getting a smooth comfortable shave with any of my stainless steel straight razors.

Bob