How to decide on the first real straight/strop etc purchase as a newb
So I feel the bug or should I keep it on the related topic and say the itch coming on already LOL and I've only just begun!
While I opted to start with the dovo shavette for a couple of reasons (it's entry price and no blade sharpening) I can't help but wonder what it would be like with a nice solid one piece blade. I should also clarify that I have every intention on continuing to learn on that equipment even though its feather weight feel seems very odd to me.
At any rate while I undertake this journey of learning the craft I would like to continue to educate myself on the various aspects of equipment as well. I've already begun to pickup on some things and realize that I will inherently continue to do so the more I read and research things. Regardless of whatever point in time I have the mindset of thinking I know what I would like to upgrade to, I can't help but wonder how I will really know or feel comfortable with that purchase when the day comes (I know how I am, that day will come :P). This seems to hold even more true when given the seemingly consistent undertone that you will figure out what you like after you've tried whatever it is your trying because not everything works for one the same as the next person be it soap, technique, strop, razor, brush etc...
So that leaves me to want to find someone or someplace that has the equipment that I can touch and feel first hand. The last thing I would want to do is have read alot of consensus on a item(s), buy a lot of gear at hundreds of dollars only to realize I want to try a different setup maybe something as simple as a feeling a wedge vs a 1/2 grind, reading about it only gets me so far. Heck I even hate the thought of buying a 75 dollar razor, paying to have it professionally honed just to experiment and try, I'd rather spend my dollars with a few of its friends on good investment.
I'm sure there have been many before me in the same predicament but surely there has to be a better way. I've checked meetup.com for local groups. My local barber shop has only DE and SE razors no true straights. And I have no local buds with a straight to utilize as a resource. Any suggestions on where or what type of place I could find that has a decent selection to pickup equipment in my hands?
So, I suppose my point is at the end of the day, I'm just looking for some form of local resource here in Atlanta Georgia to seek out info first hand. Hopefully there are some members in my area that see this and wouldn't mind helping a new guy out as well ;)