SEC,
Welcome. I've only been doing this for a few months, but it is worth it!
I only have a boar brush that I bought at Brook's Pharmacy. I like it. I think it's a good brush to start with because it's cheap, so if you don't like using it you're not out too much. (That being said, I'm ready to try a super badger and have one on my wish list for my birthday!!). Tony likes the boars, and a lot of members use both, so I think it's a matter of personal preference.
As far as cutting yourself; most of the guys I know that cut themselves with safety razors are shaving like they have one microsecond to finish or they'll explode! That thing is moving around their face so fast it's a blur. When you get a straight, or a double-edge (a lot of guys here use DE's as well) remember that it's all about taking your time and enjoying the shave.
One last thing, Gary (gfoster) and Ed (EdinLA44) mentioned the term "shave-ready". That's key! A brand new straight from Classic Shaving may be sharp, but won't necessarily be "shave-ready". If you get a new one from there, use their sharpening service. They'll send it to Lynn (the creator of this site, in case you don't know) and he'll hook you up. OR as mentioned before, Tony or Bill or pretty much anyone else you get a razor from in these forums will be able to get it to you shave-ready.
Good luck and enjoy!