Help me get started with a straight razor. It's time to shave like a man- man!

So, I'm in the military. I'm a reservist on Active duty for the next year or so in training. I have to shave every day I'm on duty.

I currently use a mach 4, and the Gel that's recommended for it. I don't use any aftershave. I get pretty thick hair and it grows fast, I've often been stopped by NCO's about not shaving at 10 or 11 in the morning.

It's just not close enough. The hair's too dark, one or the other.

I normally go through a 4 pack month. That's 17 dollars a month. or $204 of my precious precious medic money a year.

Some of my early memories are of my grandfather using a straight razor, lathering up and the smell of some pretty awesome aftershave after.

So, in an attempt to emulate my awesome granddad. (He's the one on the one with the hat in this picture http://i.imgur.com/aH2nz.jpg ), save money over the years, and get a closer shave. I want to start straight shaving.

I have no idea where to start.