I switched from the 'modern' shave world about a year ago and started DE shaving with a Merkur HD. I would like to take it to the next level.

I am debating whether to get a shave ready Wapi, or to get a more vintage Dubl Duck, W&B, or some other Solingen quality razor.

I'm stubborn enough to stick with it and learn it, so I'm not worried about the trial period of seeing whether I want to do it or not. I don't have a strop or anything for straight razor shaving yet so I am starting from scratch.

I was at the flea market today and although there weren't any straights to be found, the one vendor said he has a pile of vintage ones at home that he doesn't bother bringing, but will bring them for me to look at next week. I realize though that whatever he has more than likely isn't shave-ready and even if I buy one it will probably sit on the shelf until I'm ready to hone it myself.

If I get the Wapi, I'd probably rescale it, maybe have my initials engraved on the blade, and make it 'my' razor, something I wouldn't do to a vintage.

What's best for a beginner like me to do?