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Farbgast -- If you haven't, go to his link and read it and everything it cross-references. Buying a beginner's set on a budget - Straight Razor Place Library.

Then think about it. You had...

Well, now we'll wait for someone who knows more than me about brands.

any identifying marks re: the maker/brand? any clues would help.

More than likely the salesman's definition of shave-ready is not really "shave ready". Given where you are, I'm not sure what to suggest, except adding a few pictures of the razor would help, as...