First, I would like to say that this is a great site and I'm glad I got directed here from B&B (been around there a little while now). You guys have really put together an informative and enjoyable site.

Let me explain my plight:
I have been wet shaving since day one (well, maybe since I was 16) and have been DE exclusively for a while now. I have a few DE's and enjoy them but have always been attracted to the straights. Anyway, I have soaps, cream, a brush and all of that good stuff. Also, let me jump ahead and say not to worry about me changing my mind and deciding that straights wont work for me. I've decided I want to do this and will keep going until I either have it right or have severed my head trying.

Long story short (and don't laugh but) I have persuaded my wife into letting me blow a couple hundred bucks and I am looking to use this for my razor, strop and whatever else you guys may suggest.

Strop thoughts-
I'm pretty set on getting a Tony Miller strop but am having a hard time deciding between the $30 starter and ~$60 4-sided paddle strop. My concern is that I probably wont get much more free cash for a couple of months as we are about to move back to FL from Chicago and that's not going to be cheap so I don't know if the basic strop will give me a way to refresh the edge enough in the next couple of months or if this will require the paddle. If it helps in the considerations, I will most likely start str8 shaving on the weekends only until after the move as time is short these days.

Razors-
I have been eying a TI 5/8 "Evide Sonnant Extra" at CS which is about $92 (plus of course the cost to hone it). The Dovo special looks nice as well but I have heard that TI's are reputed to be of better quality these days and that the gold wash on the Special is more difficult to care for and could actually lead to a greater likelihood of rusting if neglected. Naturally, I don't plan to neglect this razor but I do like to travel and camp and would be taking this blade with me, if conceivable, until I can get another.

I am also open to a used, but in good shape straight but past TI and Dovo I have no idea what is what and if I am getting a fair deal. Suggestions/offers greatly appreciated .

Anything else?
Is there anything else I need asap or can hones, et. all wait until later? I guess it goes without saying the less I can spend on a strop and razor the more other fun stuff I can buy (Tabac).

Thanks in advance!
-mm