So the quick clean answer is....Get a shave ready razor from a reputable seller. The strop ....Go cheap because this has a learning curve that will leave cuts and gashes in the leather until you learn it. I bought a piece of horse hide online and glued it to a piece of wood. (paddle strop) Tandy has strap leather that you can hand pick. Smooth is the best. The smoother the better. Truth is you don't need much else to get started other than soap and a brush which you can pick up at the local CVS for 12 bucks. The rest is a matter of want verses cash on hand :<0)