Gidday! I'd be interested to know the best places to get supplies in NZ. I've been using Kiwishaver and Fineshave but they're more geared towards safety razors. I've also found another place called Cutler road in Gisborne that sells straights and does honing.
Would you recommend purchasing a brand new straight or trying on a restored vintage first? They have a nice but pricy Thiers Issard set or should I look to buy an old vintage to try out first. I'm practising with a shavette at the moment so if it works out and I grasp the technique I may opt for a new straight. I'm just a bit worried I may damage it when stropping.