I’m not sure how Badger is different in terms of sensitive skin, but I’ve found that the big difference between shaving soaps tends to boil down to scent and slipperiness.
Slipperiness is the big thing I find for having a good shave with sensitive skin. RazORoc I find to be good. The Goodfellow Smiles is awesome too. George Trumper is exceptional, but also expensive.
Any double edge razor will use the same blades that cost from $0.08 to $0.20 each, depending on the brand. Also, don’t buy them at Shoppers’ Drug Mart where you will pay $1.00-2.00 for them. Buy them online by the 100s. A blade can easily last 5-7 shaves. YMMV.
If the price of a Henson seems too much, you can bag a vintage Gillette for less than $20.00 at any flea market. They may or may not be as good as a Henson, but you can get a great shave with them.
Razors and blades are highly subjective. Different faces and beards need different tools, so it’s hard to say, “This razor/blade is best”.
Also, wet shaving means soap, and there are a gazillion boutique brands out there. Don’t just settle for William’s Mug or the Proraso at Shoppers’. I like RazORoc myself. Many like Stirling, but that comes from the States. There’s lots of good Italian brands, and some good English ones too.
Funny, all of your points could have applied equally to the Catholic Church until fairly recently.
See “loop, infinite”.