ebay can be a difficult experience for a newbie, but it doesn't have to be. It's all in the attitude. I learned long ago that it's ok not to win all the time, you can usually find another item later on and try again. I used to get upset if I got sniped at the end of an auction, but now I pretty much expect it and bid accordingly.

A couple of things I wish I knew then that I know now...

1. look at the spine in the picture to assess honing wear,
2. some pitting is OK as long as it's not near the edge
3. look in other categories for straights, do a broader search than just in the straight razor category
4. an ugly duckling sometimes turns into a swan...