Hi guys and ladies,

So, as some of you know, I'm in no position to buy a new razor just yet, and besides, my skill level doesn't justify me getting one yet anyway.

But, I'm hoping in the new year, at tax time, I will get enough of a tax refund that I can buy myself a razor from SRD, and hopefully have it honed by Lynn himself. ( no offense meant to anyone else who may hone there)

I'm thinking, I'll get about 240 Cdn back, and who knows what that will mean in US dollars by then, but I thought I'd try to put away a few dollars until next year, and go for one of those package deals with a brush and strop, as well as the DVD Lynn produced (can't wait to see that!).

I am particularly attracted to the tortoise coloured scales. Real tortoise is not my concern, as it's the shave that really matters to me, but I do like that colouring on the scales, so I was hoping you guys could help me figure out which one I should save up for? There's so many choices and it's a bit overwhelming, so your thoughts may help me narrow it down. I'd then find a way to print off the picture of the set I covet and tape it to my bathroom mirror as motivation. I figure with shipping and adding the option of a 3" wide strop, as well as getting the DVD and another 4.50 for the sweet patchouli option, it will add up to around 300, give or take a few.

I'm not sure if I will just choose the badger brush offered, or the silvertip upgrade. I like the idea of having the brush in a tortoise shell colour, but if I am not mistaken that is only offered on the vintage site, but not SRD? Not sure, I could be wrong, but they say there, that the blades are honed by Lynn as well? Am I mistaken?

I really want to know what it's like to shave with a Lynn honed razor, and I feel by the new year, my skill level should improve enough that I could really enjoy it and get a real feel for it; I'm getting better all the time. Not completely BBS, but a few areas are definitely BBS all thanks to this site, I might add. I also want to know what a razor honed by Lynn looks like under a microscope, so I plan on buying a cheap microscope off Ebay down the road, because I too, want to learn how to hone. And hopefully make a little spare change for the busy Bay st types (Wall st in the US) who want a shave ready razor, but don't have the time nor desire to learn how to hone one themselves. I loved sharpening knives, so I'll probably love sharpening razors, once I get some stones.

So my only items I'm not sure about for the shave set, are the badger brush options and the razor. I'm not convinced I need a silvertip, but what do I really know? I'm a newb. But, I seem to be doing okay with my cheap synthetic for now. I am more concerned about choosing the right razor. I'm not a very hairy guy and I have pretty sensitive skin, if that helps any? And I don't really want a long blade, as I tend to use, in most areas, the first half of the blade (mostly because I have to avoid ingrown bumps), only using the heel and the whole blade for the throat area.

Which razor do you think I should save up for? As always, your astute advice is always appreciated. Thanks gentlemen......and ladies.

Btw, did I mention, I love this site? Well, if not, I'm mentioning it now! And if I could, I'd buy you all a round. I never thought, I'd be so into shaving!