Dfafs, I appreciate your wariness. I don't want to throw $25 away and erring on the side of caution is better than suggesting a sketchy site, so thanks!

Matloffm, do you suggest DE razors as a step before straight shaving or an alternative? I plan on using a proper cream with the straight. I don't really have the money to buy two shaving sets, so I'd prefer learning with the straight razor (and perhaps cutting myself a few times because of weak lather, I'm sure that will teach me soon enough) over buying two sets. Not to suggest that disposables and de techniques are similar, but I've used all three directions with my current razor.