Hi Sam
Welcome to SRP from the capital city. :) Nice to have another Kiwi here. Hope you stick at it. It gets kind of addictive (as you may have already gathered). After being bearded for about 20 years I am still surprised how much I now look forward to shaving.
Here are two options for you...
I have a razor done by each and to my inexperienced face they both seem to do a comparable job. I get as comfortable a shave with either razor.
- House of Knives has a guy who sharpens straights. Got my Grandad's Bengall done by him. The Wellington store sent it to Auckland to be done. Cost about $12.
- Scott Boness is in Auckland and a SRP member. He advertises on Trade Me too - honing and shave ready razors from time to time. About $15 for honing.
If your face is not used to a blade then it will take a little while to settle in. As you've no doubt read, a good lather makes the world of difference.
Good luck as you embark on your journey.
There's lots of great advice here at SRP.