Thanks everyone! I'll be sure to read up in the wiki section.

Meanwhile, I was browsing around in the classifieds and on whippeddog (thanks LAsoxfan for that site), and I'm thinking about maybe getting one of these two razors:
Mortense Razor Co "Extra Hollow Ground" - Straight Razor Place Classifieds

or

the 5/8 Berkshire on whippeddog
WhippedDog Straight Razors

Would these be good options for a first-timer? And if so, which one might be the better option? I know that for many people the size of the blade is more of personal preference, but for a beginner would the 4/8 Mortense create more difficulties in learning? From what I've read, it seems that 5/8 is a pretty common size, so I was wondering what are the reasons why I shouldn't go for the 4/8?

And which of these would you all recommend for me?

Thanks again!