I got my first razors from SRD, it's the way to go, imo. I would also consider the classifieds here, got a great deal on a razor there.
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Yes, I would recomend for a starter, if you have the money the Dovo "Best Quality" from SRD. I started that way and it comes expertly honed. As long as your wife does not know that honemasters shave with the blade for testing, it's fine. I always pass some alcohol over the metal of any new blade. If you want something more economical, I recommend Whipped Dog. You also get a ready to shave proffessionally honed blade. I've tried both, can't go wrong with any.
I got one of Larry's (whipped dog) Dovo best quality 6/8 yesterday. He hones his razors before sending them but I found that it needed 7 or so laps on my naniwa 12k in order for it to shave more comfortably for me. I may even do another 5 or so, but I also have pretty tough facial hair. He also has good strops and brushes as well as free shipping within the US.