Greetings all, I have just jumped in big time into the world of straight shaving and forums. I have never felt compelled to join a community and submit a post before, but here goes. I have been shaving with a shavette for a couple of months and have been reading the information on this board to get confident enough to buy my first straight. Today I purchased a SS Pearlex Dovo from Tony Miller's site, along with a Latigo hanging strop and a Pasted 4 side Paddle strop. In additon I was able to snag a couple Ebay razors to practice stropping with.

I wanted to ask will I be able to upkeep my razor with this setup, or will I have to immediately try to find a hone, or send it out to the honmeister's after a month of use or less?

I also have been using Porasso shaving soap and the boar brush that they sell along with these items at Target. Could someone direct me on how to get in contact with the woman that sells shaving soap on here. I believe her name is colleen(sp?). Is the brush that I have fine for beginners? I seen a tweezerman badger brush on Ebay. Is that brush recommended.

I apologize for such a long first post, I hope it comes out alright. Thanks to anyone kind of enough to answer. Any information or suggestions you have are greatly appreciated.