Thread: My first straight razor

So, I became inspired to shave with a straight razor by my local sporting goods dealer and I bought a razor, soap, and strop from him. See attached for picture of razor.

Please see attached. I have three questions.

Is this razor total crap? It hurts to shave with and I assume that it needs to be honed, but I'm wondering if I got ripped off, and, if so, I won't even bother. I'll get a new one.

Secondly, is there a honemeister whom I can contact in Boston?

Thirdly (that just doesn't seem like a word, does it?). Ok, fourth, I'm fortunate enough to be going to Paris soon and are there some suggestions for straight razor visits in this wonderful city? I have suspicions that there are.

Thanks