Hey all,

I'm a straight razor newb, having gotten my first new straight (dovo classic 5/8") for Christmas. I shaved with it a few times then sent out for professional honing since it was only factory sharpened. Surprisingly, I found the factory edge was O.K., but I'm looking forward to feeling the difference a honemeister can make.

I figure the next step is to learn some honing and better stropping technique myself. I want to pick up an ebay special to practice this stuff, but possibly combine it with beginning to learn some restoration as well by picking up an older blade (this is basically an excuse to cover up my early symptoms of RAD). I figured for these purposes I should spend no more than $25 Canadian, but the last few auctions I've seen have gone into the mid $30's. Do I just need to be more patient waiting for a deal, or am I being unreasonable in my expectations? Any comments would be appreciated.