Thanks for the long post! I've really appreciated everyone's comments! Still getting familiar with the forum - don't know if I can reply to everyone, but all very much appreciated. It's really great to know there are so many people willing to help out. I'll definitely keep up the research. I just don't want to be hosed by "the art of shaving company" or any chains out there trying to make a buck. This kind of community is awesome, and I'd definitely like to purchase a shave ready razor, then work my way up to actually honing a blade. I remember being very young, seeing my grandfather sharpen blades on his stones. He kept the same knives his entire life. That's what I'm talking about.