I went with Tonys strop the service can't be beat he will also send you a practice strop with the #1 top of the line strop. He also has the video and being new also I would not take the razor out of the box untill watching at least the section on the shave. I got my razor and brush from vintage blades. Tony recomended them to get me a shave ready (Lynn Abrams honed) Dovo Tortoise razor which I love. I have almost a week of shaves under my belt an just three nicks. knock on wood I also got a super badger brush from vintage blades. As for soap I have been wet shaving sence my teens using a DE and have found none better then Colleens soaps. So i guess I put my own kit together but I wanted certen items and don't regret any of my decisions.