So—instead of buying a higher end razor first, I opted to get a middle of the road, lesser—not made in Pakistan or China—smaller than I would've liked—probably most likely used (still working that detail out on my own—not knowing the personal habits of its previous owner(s))—and whether or not, despite the 'shave ready' claim—if it is truly shave ready.

I was going to get a Dovo Bismark razor brand new, that razor doesn't come pre honed out of the box from the manufacturer but decided against it, not knowing any decent straight razor honers (is that right, is someone who hones blades, called "honers?"), I opted to go with an otherwise respectable brand (haven't read any bad reviews of the ⅝ Ralf Aust to date, just positives) that was used for the sole reason that the seller claimed—after confirmation, it will be honed before it ships.

On the off chance the sellers' honing service is substandard—which seems to be a trend with straight razors and ebay plus something as subjective as what exactly 'shave ready' means versus 'personal preference' in contempt of the 'hair test'—what are some of the better honing services out there?