Hi, I'm very new to this. Just started seriously thinking about switching to a straight razor today. I've been googling and checking out different razors, but there are so many that it's quite overwhelming.

One of the big reasons I want to start using a straight razor is to more accurately shape my facial hair (an anchor), so it's important that I be able to maneuver around my moustache and beard. I would like to purchase a quality razor that will give me the "true" straight razor experience (not a hair cutting razor or replaceable razor), but don't want to spend a ton of money in case I never get the hang of a straight razor.

I'm thinking about getting a 4/8" Thiers-Issard "Le Dandy" from classicshaving.com, and an Illinois #206 hanging strop from the same site. What do the experienced straight razor users among you think of this? Would another brand razor be better? Would a smile be better?

Thanks