I'm about ready to buy my first straight razor and I'm sure this gets asked a lot. Should I start out with one of the whipped dog razors for $43?

I'm more into functionality than looks so I don't need anything pretty. Ugly girls make the best dates after all...

Seems to me though from having done a little research around the forum there are some pretty mixed views about the sight unseen razors though. Everyone looks like they agree that Larry has unparalleled customer service though.

I am also considering a Ralf Aust from straight razor designs. Would the sight unseen be a good one to go with first and then risk messing it up while I learn to hone (I do plan to learn to maintain my razors) and have the Ralf as the standard with which to judge it against until I get the hang of things? Thanks for the help!