Update from a Newbie in IL.

So to start of I bought a shaver that screamed PICK ME from the classifieds, MAX SOLINGEN 5/8, not sure what exactly made it seem like a good starting razor, but it looked like the style i would enjoy, must of been the metal handle, although I was warned it will be heavier because of that, I will be looking for a really light second razor to get a good counter-opinion.

Than my friend made the mistake to tell me that in the Mall near us there is a shaving store, I live near Woodfield Mall in Shaumburg, and Google did not tell me there was a shaving store there... so I went there, the guy that helped me out was really cool, he knows and I am guessing a member of this forum.

Since I got to check out the lotions, I decided to pay the Mall Premium price and bought
the lavender shaving cream.

I also received the DVD that is recommended on every page, very informative and I saw like 60% of it, I will finish it ASAP

and than I saw that the 3" Big Daddy strops were recommended for beginners so I will be picking one of those... and once everything is in I will re-watch the DVD and than proceed to shaving one section per day as I seen recommended.

Also I received a business card for honing services and such from the store since they do not
do it themselves

"The Restored Razor" in Addison, IL

anyone or has knowledge of that place

So any comments on my setup will be appreciated