As someone mentioned, the Artist Club razor is available from Amazon for $60. I don't remember what I paid when I bought mine but it was considerably more. I want to be respectful of your wallet, but I suspect it might be worth it to spend the $60. If you get a clone for, say, $30 and you like it, you might want an original, or the clone might not be as durable, and you'll spend the money on the AC plus the sunk costs of the clone.
I've used straight razors but prefer the AC when I'm in the mood for a straight razor shave. The AC is really well-made. And if you dislike it, you can sell it here and get most of your $ back.
The first time I used one i foolishly thought it would be much like a straight razor so I loaded a Feather Pro and turned my face into a series of gashes and nicks. The Feather Pro blades are far sharper than any straight razor and completely unforgiving. To give yourself and the razor a fair try, I recommend you start with the Feather ProGuard or the Kai equivalent. The next best thing would be the Feather Super, which has a thicker blade that's more forgiving.
Although some view the Feather ProGuards as cheating, they're the only blade I use now in the AC. I think they're great, and I sometimes use them in my ATT SE-1. Don't let anyone talk you out of them. Once you get the knack, if you want to try a Feather Pro, have at it.
Just my 2.5 cents.
