Hmmm tried to post a reply the other day but it's not here must have got something wrong.
Thank you all for the kind words, and Oz I will no-doubt be in touch in the future.
So I got impatient and ordered a razor before I saw the do not buy thread... worst case I'll end up with a razor which can be used and abused in the shed, got to be a little positive.
I've also ordered a couple of razors from Larry at Whipped Dog which from all reports here should be a good start.
My barber learnt the trade off his father and being an older Italian gent I'm presuming he can use a real straight as well as the Shavette he uses daily, and being a few doors from home I might well be racking his brains as well as the collective here.
Impatiently waiting now... will keep you updated.