My name is Chris and I am entirely new to the straight razor. I expressed an interest in them and a friend of mine surprised me with one (it says Messerschmidt on the blade) a few days later. I have done quite a bit of reading over the past week or so, and I'm going to send this razor, along with another that has been given to me (a DOVO), off to be honed. In the meantime, I think I'll purchase a strop. Any advice on a decent beginner strop that won't break the bank?

A little background on myself would be in order, I suppose. I am 21 and in my last semester of undergrad, double majoring in Economics and Political Science. I'll be starting my M.A. in Economics this fall. I spend a great deal of time over at www.smokersforums.com, a great pipe forum with an excellent group of guys. I go by the same name over there. Pipes and tobaccos are a favorite hobby of mine, and I have a feeling I will dive into straight razors like I have into pipes and tobacco. I'm also an avid fly fisherman, and I have been guiding during the summer for the past four years. Enough about me, I suppose.

Cheers,
Chris