Thanks for the advice so far everybody. I've read all the beginner Stickies, and I'll go over them again before I try to shave for the first time. I think I'll shave today with my old razor to get rid of the beard, and by the time the straight razor arrives I'll have some stubble to start practicing on.

I'll test out the brush and mug I've got, they seem to be in okay condition so I'm optimistic. Do they sell any good shaving creams or soaps at supermarkets, or do most of you order yours online?