Hi Quick. I'm new to straight razor shaving as well. So for me to give experienced advise is weak. But, as Far as razors go, have you veiwed the reveiw razors section in this forum? That is where I found the new razor that suited me. I have a brand new DOVO BERGISCHER LOWE pre-sharpened by Lynn Abrams. I purchased it at Classic Shaving.com I also purchased Lynn's dvd, it is very valuable to me! I think that is why my beginner, or newbie experience has been a pleasant one! So go and check out the reveiws section on your favorite razor. I love my BERGISCHER LOWE! But once again I new as well. Lynn's dvd is a must though! He covers everything you need to know, you already know how to shave with a straight razor, so you are far head than I am. His section in the dvd about Honing and Stropping are valuable. Good luck, STRAIGHT RAZOR 13