A few weeks ago I took an interest in shaving with a straight razor... I can't say for sure what attracted me about straight razors. I've been using a "nice" electric Norelco for almost a year, but was never satisfied with the results. Perhaps it was the promise of a much closer, longer lasting shave that attracted me to straight razors. The idea of actually enjoying my shave by practicing a skill (skill to shave?! Such a novel idea to me...) and relaxing was also quite appealing.

However, I fear I may have lost myself in my interest and jumped in too soon! As soon as I arrived at college I hopped on to eBay and started scouting for deals. I'd done some minor research and figured that I would probably require a straight razor, a strop, shaving soap, and a brush. I'd also read somewhere that most razors don't come shave ready, so I began looking for a cheap-esque razor honing stone. The two auctions that I bid on (and won) were:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...6135&rd=1&rd=1 (the straight razor, hone, brush, soap set)

and

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...0683&rd=1&rd=1 (the hone)

However, a day or so after winning these auctions I discovered Straight Razor Place and began reading the Newbie section of the forums. One of the first things I read was that zeepk razors certainly aren't known for their quality...

Any how, this prompts me to ask a few questions. Firstly, how horrible are zeepk razors? If there's no chance of me getting a good shave from this razor, I'd rather put down the money for a "real" straight razor. However, if these razors are at least tolerable for a "newbie," I'd be willing to give it a shot until I could more readily afford a better razor.

Also, if the zeepk is unacceptable, is there any chance of me getting some use out of the other items in the razor bundle? I'm hoping that my $30 isn't going entirely to waste... If I can get some use out of the strop, or even the brush, I'm going to feel a lot better.

Was the hone an idiotic purchase for a newbie to make?

I'm doing okay on money right now, thanks to working between semesters, but I'm still a college student. Any advice on how to get a workable razor and accessories for a decent price?

Thanks in advance to anyone who takes the time to help a newb in need, and I'm certainly glad to be here! I just wish I'd discovered Straight Razor Place a week or two earlier.