Greetings to the forum and newbie question

[junkinduck]

Is the reason you guys suggest going with tonys strops moreso because there is an option to buy one get a 2nd practice one for free?

Made by a true American craftsman. This is an endangered species. I do what I can to support such people. The small shop hand made item with such a strict attention to detail will not be found in Wal Mart. Aside form the quality I nicked my strop a couple of times learning the rhythm. Sure glad it was the practice and not my beautiful red heirloom #1 3”. I still don’t feel worthy to strop on it. Maybe in a couple of weeks.

[gratewhitehuntr]

you don't have to get the best strop but YOU ARE ALMOST GUARANTEED TO NICK YOUR STROP LEARNING.

I did and most people will admit that they did too at some time or another.
That extra strop sure might be nice.

Sticks are like $6 in Wally World.

[Ron A]

I favor option C for you.
If you buy cheap or old and used equipment, the best you can get is a shave that is "cheap". I think it would be difficult to not only become an accomplished st8 shaver with old and used, but it would be more difficult to enjoy the process. If you do buy used, buy a high-quality, shave-ready razor from someone who knows the business. Give yourself the best opportunity to learn correctly and enjoy the experience.
Good luck!

[Jonedangerousli]

Made by a true American craftsman. This is an endangered species. I do what I can to support such people. The small shop hand made item with such a strict attention to detail will not be found in Wal Mart.

What he said. Tony's work is stellar and I'm very impressed with his "above and beyond" attitude. You won't regret the few extra $ you might pay. You'd probably just waste it on some non-shaving related junk anyway, LOL. J.

[JMS]

What he said. Tony's work is stellar and I'm very impressed with his "above and beyond" attitude. You won't regret the few extra $ you might pay. You'd probably just waste it on some non-shaving related junk anyway, LOL. J.

This is a step in the right direction jonedangerousli, but maybe you could take it a step farther by starting a new thread about the quality of his work!?
But I must commend you for even bringing Tony up in your post. a lesser man would have pretended nothing ever happened!