Joseph,

Welcome to the forum. I've only been straight shaving for 1 year now, so I'm no expert. When I started I quickly determined that having a truly SHAVE READY razor was of absolute unequivocal importance. Let me save you a whole lot of time and personal anguish -- get a true SHAVE READY razor to start with. It's way more important than "what model or brand". Having said that, I'd get a Dovo 6/8" half hollow (or was it 1/4 hollow?). I've found that wedge and near wedge (mighty close to 1/4 hollow from what I understand) are just easier to maintain and use when you are new IMHO and experience. Straight Razor Designs had this razor in stock SHAVE READY with a free re-hone last I checked. DID I MENTION SHAVE READY? Sorry, just trying to help.

Whatever you do, invest some time on the "new SR shaver" section of this web site and watch some of the videos. You'll have a great time and be off on a good start to your straight shaving journey. Have big fun!

PM me if I can help. I don't know much, but if I can't answer your question I'll admit it and send you to someone who does. Fair enough?

John