Hey guys!

I'm new to the forum and the straight shaving experience...before you jump all over me and tell me to read the stickies, I have and I'm still confused.

like everyone here I want to start straight shaving but still have a few specific questions I hope you guys can help with.

1) I know you need to get razors and I'm planning to get 2, but they seem so expensive, are there certain razors I should get and don't cost an arm and a leg. I know they're investment and I do want to start collecting, once I get good shaving, but I want to learn to strop properly first.

2) Can I use normal shaving cream, ie. Gillette?

3) how can I tell a good strop from a bad one? What are good ones to start with??

Thanks!