Greetings to everyone...new member introduction

Hello,
My name is Joe Vacante and I am new to this site. I am an engineer and live in York PA and have been enjoying perusing through this site for a number of weeks. I have also been researching other straight razor websites, you tube videos, etc.
The common thread is that a "shave ready" razor is NOT shave ready. My research has led me here to not only join a community of knowledgeable people, but to ensure that my very first straight razor purchase will be one that I will enjoy learning for years to come. I have no accessories yet either, so I will be starting at ground zero, but anxiously await Christmas morning when my wife’s present will be a straight razor, strop, soap, and badger brush! She doesn't know this yet, but she will very soon.

I have been practicing my prep every morning (taking time to lather, rinse, towel, lather, then shave with a safety razor very gently WTG, then again ATG, finally XTG in the chin and upper lip area.

So, I am asking for your help. Where do I go to purchase my gear? Who do I contact to purchase a professionaly honed razor so that I can strop it and get started? I am ready to start my practice sessions with the straight razor and hopefully, in the next year I can master this art.

Regards,
Joe

Welcome to SRP:)

You can purchase a professionally honed razor from the advertisers on this site(Straight Razor Designs being very popular), as well as the Classifieds or Vendors Corner here at SRP.

I've only brought 1 new razor and that was from SRD. Got a razor and strop and both are quality items and the razor is honed by Lynn who is considered a true honemiester. Any vendors on site are easy recommendations. They would be allowed to advertise here otherwise. Good luck.

I used my grandfathers DE for three months before going straight...purchased razor and strop from SRD and worked out fine....just remember that the first shave with a shave ready razor will be somewhat disappointing due to bad technique. It took me at least a couple weeks to get comfortable/acceptable shaves. So be patient and trust that the razor is "shave ready". You will get there. By the way....I found that infrared heat, like from a my wood stove, help the first month with razor burn relief. Happy shaving and fool luck!

Thank you to all who welcomed me. Great advice.