Hi folks,

I firstly wanted to introduce myself as I'm new here, I stumbled in here two days ago after reading about straight razors on Badger & Blade. I actually only started wetshaving with a DE last week, and am now totally hooked on the whole scene, after years of wasting time and money on Mach3 cartridges and horrible foam-in-a-can!

I've been using a Merkur Futur for the last week and I'm very happy with it. I've also fallen into the routine of trying lots of different blades, soaps, brushes, bowls, moisturisers etc.

After reading masses of posts on B&B and then on here, I'm really keen to add a straight razor to my collection. I'm not initially aiming to use it every day as I'm happy with my DE, but it's something i'd like to slowly add into my rotation - maybe as a special treat for weekends. I don't mind spending out and getting a semi-decent model, something I won't want to upgrade in 6 months (hopefully!).

The model I'm considering is most likely the limited edition "Straightrazorplace" model at classicshaving.
http://www.classicshaving.com/catalo...51/1203373.htm

I'm interested in this model as it's been designed by Lynn with I assume some input from other the gurus of this forum. Hence I assume it's a good razor to go for? I'm also impressed that if I buy it from classicshaving, that I can have it honed properly by Lynn Abrams as per their page below.
http://www.classicshaving.com/catalo...215/526771.htm

However, it says on the honing page that honing orders should be taken seperately to other orders, and razors have to be sent in for honing. I live in the UK, so I was wondering if I could order a razor from classicshaving and the honing together, so it could get honed by Lynn and then shipped out to me here when it's been done. Rather then buy it and have it delivered to the UK, only to send it back to the USA again for honing, possibly incurring 3 lots of customs charges!

I've emailed classicshaving to ask if this is possible, but they haven't gotten back to me as yet. I wondered if anyone here has done this when ordering from them? Perhaps even Lynn could comment if he reads this.

Any other thoughts or suggestions on razor choice for a newbie?

I think I have the other items i'll need covered, except a strop which I'll order with the razor. I picked up some soaps/creams from Trumper, AOS, Palmolive, Mama-Bear. I'm using a best badger brush from Edwin Jagger, and have a super badger brush (2235) on order from Vulfix. I have American Crew moisturiser, and some Coral Skin Food on order from Trumper which should arrive today.

I've watched Lynns demo video on Google, and have downloaaded an excellent guide from this site - to get me started with my technique.

Any tips/advice greatly appreciated!

Cheers,

Iwan