+1 stay off ebay for now. My very first post here was about ebay and I got a lot of advice to avoid it till I know what to look out for. I stayed away and now I am glad I did. A better bet is to get a razor from another SRP member. Check the classifieds a lot and bargins show up. Another option is to get a razor here: Whipped Dog Straight Razor Sales
They are inexpensive but not cheap which is what you want.

As for screwing up a razor, I'll bet you'll be okay. Ask questions when you are unsure and chances are that someone on SRP will go out of their way to give you good advice. Good luck!