Thanks very much for the information Robin. That is good enough to motivate me to go ahead with a proper straight razor. Having said that, I now have a couple more quick questions.

I have looked at what brands are good and which ones to avoid. Obviously I don't want to get one on the avoiding page, but what would be something in the mid to high-mid range I should look for as a starting razor?

I am also considering at least a super badger brush, but considering what you mentioned about the contact dermatitis, is there a particular soap or lather that would minimize this even further?

The rest is the same question for all the basic starting equipment. What you might recommend in terms of the Strop, Creams and so forth. I don't want to go for something majorly expensive until I become more experienced, but I don't want to get something I will regret buying either.

If I get quality, I will happily pay more, I just don't want to pay top dollar straight away.

My very last question now is if you could advise some reliable Australian websites to purchase from. I'm in Sydney where I believe there is only one store that requires a booking so I'm happy to order without trying from a reliable source until I become more picky.

Thanks again,

Todd