Hi folks,

I've never shaved with a straight razor before. About a month ago I had the epiphany that it seems like each new shaving innovation (more blades, vibrating, etc.) just seems to irritate my face more. So, just tonight I finally decided to get off my ass and try the exact opposite - the straight razor. Unfortunately, I found this site right after I made my initial purchases. Can you help me figure out what I've done right and wrong?

With regard to razors, I've put in bids on about half a dozen older razors from e-bay, figuring that as long as there are no nicks, it shouldn't be too difficult to get them to a point where they can provide a servicable shave. Now, that may have been a mistake. I have some experience making and sharpening blades (my high school had blacksmithing classes), but I'm starting to appreciate that there are substantial differences between a razor and a machette, and that my skill with a fine grain belt sander may not translate into the present situation. So, should I just forget the whole e-bay thing and buy a new razor? If so, is there a good razor to be had for not too much money, so that I can try this whole thing without sinking in a massive investment? On the other hand, if restoration of an older blade is feasible for a newbie, are there any specific tips I should know (aside from rubbing the blade with a white scour pad to remove any rust, and then honing and stropping)? An example of one that I have a bid on:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...MEBI%3AIT&rd=1

As for accessories, I bought the following from bowmanbeauty.com:
Razor Strop 2 1/2" x 23"
Fromm Strop Dressing
Standard Pure Badger Shaving Brush-Black Handle
Colonel Cork Bay Rum Shave Soap
Styptic Powder
Colonel Conk Razor Hone
Does that all sound acceptable? I'm most concerned about the hone, it sounds like honing is a substantially more difficult process that I'd anticipated, and I'm not sure if I need to buy a higher quality product.

Also, I live in Chicago if anyone knows of any good local stores that would be worth visiting.

Thanks,
Kyle