I've been using electric razors for just about as long as I've been shaving, and with my second one going to crap already I'm thinking of moving to a straight razor. I'm still a little intimidated by all the techniques and terms I need to learn (as I'm guessing most beginners are), so I could use a little affirmation or redirection from some more experienced folks.

Right now, what I'm planning on doing is buying a shave-ready razor from the classified section here, getting a brush and soap (and styptic pencil, of course), and seeing how I do for the first couple shaves. I figure then if it works out and I don't completely butcher my face, I can invest in a hone and strop. If not, I can just sell the razor and pick up a safety razor instead. Does this seem like a reasonable course of action?

Also, as far as hones go, are the cheaper chinese wetstones on eBay worth buying? From what I've seen so far, my options seem to be either (very expensive) brand new wetstone from Norton or etc., older, possibly damaged and rather small barber's hone, or one of the Chinese wetstones. With the razor and strop adding up, I'd rather avoid spending any more than I have to on the hone, provided whatever I buy will still work well enough, of course.