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From the pictures, that Henckels doesn't look *that* bad, but it could just be the lighting.
Lucky you, Henckels are known for having great steel. I've yet to have one that I didn't like.

As to...

Mark,
First of all welcome to the forums.
Secondly, while I do not believe it is *necessary* to have a razor from a "honemeister" right away, (I didn't) it will make the learning curve much easier...