My recommendation would be to pick up a Wapienica str8 razor plus a Tony Miller #4 Starter Strop. I have yet to find a NOS razor selling for less than the Wapienica's and my starter strop works like a charm. Tony's products are certainly top notch.

I'm new to str8's also, and decided to hone my Wapienica's on my own. This was challenging to begin with... frustrating at times to say the least... but I did manage to get them shave-ready and to pass the HHT. However, I believe it is the concensus of most forums to have at least one of your str8's hone by a honemeister.

Just my 2 cents.

- Ken -