You might want to invest in a mug, but it's not absolutely necessary. As has been said, you can get by with a bowl. If you do want one, though, Vermont Country Store has one of the old-time apothecary barber's mugs for like $14. I've got one on the way. I'm sure somebody here can set you up with a mug. I also have a scuttle for sale in the buy/sell/trade forum, so that's an option, too. As far as the noise...all my hollow ground razors make that noise. The only ones that don't are my heavy 1/4 hollow and wedge razors.