Reddit mentions of Double Edge Razor Blade Sample Pack (2x each)

The handles are more for weight preference. The blades themselves are what vary. I used to get irritated bad until I switched to safety. If you still get irritation from the actual cutting, or your hair is so course it pulls, buy a variety pack (example) and see what works and what doesn't. Personally, I prefer Astra or Derby but I doubt I have as course hair as you. I've heard decent things about feather as well but no personal experience with that brand.

As for prep, OP could probably point you in the right direction. I just use a shave brush with "sensitive skin" shave creme and have no issues. Sounds like you will probably want a pre-shave product that softens the hair though. I'd also recommend avoiding any alcohol based after shave products. I'm a big fan of one with tea tree oil and/or witchhazel

Edit: forgot to mention, try doing a 2 pass system if you've been just going against the grain. First pass WITH the hair to get it all down then 2nd pass CROSS (as opposed to against) grain to get super low. That helped me a lot and still gets it down super low. Mileage may vary though.
Also, try pre-wet and shave with hot water, clean off at the end with cold.

The Maggard basic kit includes a 3-piece razor, not a twist-to-open. Their stuff isn't available on Amazon; if you have to shop there, you could get a Baili razor (3-piece or TTO), a Fendrihan synthetic brush, a tin of Pre de Provence, and a blade sampler. You'll pay a bit more, and you won't have Maggard's customer service, but you'll at least be getting better stuff for less money than if you get the Gentleman Jon kit.

A recommended Amazon "College Student" budget setup (Total - $64.40):

Baili Razor - $11.99 ( I started with one of these and it still gives a great shave)
https://www.amazon.com/BAILI-T-Shaped-Shaving-Safety-Trimmer/dp/B01M1LFKPE/ref=sr_1_23_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1536235584&sr=1-23&keywords=safety%2Brazor&th=1

Razorock Synthetic Brush - $13.99
https://www.amazon.com/Razorock-Plissoft-Synthetic-Shaving-Brush/dp/B01CD6ZCC4/ref=pd_cp_194_3?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B01CD6ZCC4&pd_rd_r=b062e333-b1ce-11e8-96dd-777fa7fb2507&pd_rd_w=vcLdo&pd_rd_wg=MGagW&pf_rd_i=desktop-dp-sims&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=ef4dc990-a9ca-4945-ae0b-f8d549198ed6&pf_rd_r=WKDRYZX6RKWYE4M3FXND&pf_rd_s=desktop-dp-sims&pf_rd_t=40701&psc=1&refRID=WKDRYZX6RKWYE4M3FXND

Double Edge Razor Blade Sample Pack (30 Blades) - $9.95
https://www.amazon.com/Double-Edge-Razor-Blade-Sample/dp/B01N6EEZ60/ref=sr_1_7_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1536236875&sr=1-7&keywords=double+edge+razor+blades

Proraso Shaving Soap - $10.00
https://www.amazon.com/Proraso-Shaving-Soap-Refreshing-Toning/dp/B00837YY18/ref=sr_1_4_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1536236319&sr=1-4&keywords=proraso+shaving+soap

Gentleman Jon Alum Block - $7.99
https://www.amazon.com/Gentleman-Jon-Ounce-Block-Plastic/dp/B00FA35K02/ref=sr_1_4_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1536236547&sr=1-4&keywords=alum+block

Clubman Pinaud Styptic Pencil Travel Size .33 oz (pack of 3) - $5.69
https://www.amazon.com/Clubman-Pinaud-Styptic-Pencil-Travel/dp/B00EOAKLFQ/ref=sr_1_1_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1536236615&sr=1-1&keywords=styptic

Aqua Velva Cooling After Shave, Ice Sport, 3.5 Ounce - $4.79
https://www.amazon.com/Aqua-Velva-Cooling-After-Shave/dp/B001T8OD5K/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1536236728&sr=1-1-spons&keywords=after%2Bshave&th=1

You can upgrade later as you can afford it, but this would be a good start. Watch a lot of YouTube vidoes, just search for "Safety Razor Shaving" or "DE Razor Shaving".

Germany, per the sampler pack description.
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N6EEZ60/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Is there a difference that I should be aware of?

You could buy a double edge safety razor from Amazon and then buy a sample of different razors to see which ones suit you.
I bought my razors last July and still have a bunch. They tend to last forever and are dirt cheap.
I didnt get this razor but its similar with pretty good reviews.
WEISHI Nostalgic Long Handle Butterfly Open Double Edge Safety Razor https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00PKHIDRA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_.csWCbC1NEWSB

These are the sample razors I mentioned
Double Edge Razor Blade Sample Pack (2x each) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N6EEZ60/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_OfsWCbBJFFJSK

The samples didnt last long but I found the one I liked ordered them and have had them since july.

I just bought this sampler from amazon
blades

and I bought this soap sampler as well
soap

I bought a sampler pack of blades 5 years ago. I haven't bought any blades since. :) They really do shave better, last longer, and have less waste than the plastic disposables.

Thanks dude! I'm just super into skincare and have a tendency to fall down internet research rabbit holes hahaha. I bought this safety razor like two and a half years ago & I think it's a super great one to start with. Some people recommend using different blades than the ones that come with it, but it seems like more of an upgrade than a necessity. When you do need to buy more blades though, most people recommend trying a sampler set to figure out which brand of blades you like best. If you really feel like splurging you could go for a full set like this one (although tbh this might be a pretty good deal cost-per-item wise).

Shaving with a safety razor for the first time is definitely kind of harrowing, although I found that because I was super nervous I went real slowly & carefully, and consequently didn't have any problems. Just make sure you don't start with a setup that's described as "aggressive," since that indicates more of the blade is exposed & can cause irritation and more nicks/cuts if you don't know what you're doing.There are a lot of great tutorials on youtube or even in the reviews on the razor I linked here to help get you started!

You could try a sample pack with different kinds of blades. They are pretty cheap and you can find out which ones you prefer.