Quote Originally Posted by Geut View Post
... Is it wise to buy a very cheap ebay razor (GD-like) to practice before using a good razor ?
Might probably been seen this or that way.... If You now have a professionally honed razor, it will be just a little bit sub optimum when it needs to see the stones in about half a year or a year - depending on Your stropping. So in order to bring it back, it might just need work on the high grid stones.

If You get a cheap one, You don't know anything about its bevel, angle and sharpness and might have to do a good amount of work on it in order to bring it to the level Your used one is in. Work that You might never have to do maintaining Your good razor. So You're spending time and money on a product You're not really willing to use. On the other hand, it's good for getting the feeling.

Now, that I'm into it, I would say, "go for the good one". However I very well remember how I felt when I touched the stone with an edge for the first time. And that was a very old one in a state of scrap metal, where we both only could win. ... yes, starting with a razor, that is not Your favorite is not necessary, but probably the right choice.