I have a few questions. I have read the FAQ and the CRITICAL INFO stickies, and they're very informative, but they aren't worded such that they are unambiguous vis-a-vis my specific concerns.

Let me start by saying that I purchased and have received the following starting kit:
Gift Sets & Gift Ideas

After reading some of the HOWTOs on Classic Shaving I was somewhat annoyed that the kit didn't come with seemingly "essential" items, such as a strop conditioner, hone, hone accessories, etc.

Then I came here and saw information that seemed a bit more comforting, yet still leaves me asking:

1) Does the "PRE-SHARPENED" razor that comes with the above kit qualify as "shave ready"? The FAQ mentions "If you buy a razor from Classic Shaving...honing services...Lynn Abrams", but it isn't clear if this means that I've bought a properly honed shaver. It could mean only that if I wanted a properly honed shaver then I should've requested that service with my new razor.

2) What common household products can I use to break in/condition a new strop? I have an old bottle of LEXOL (a leather conditioner I bought for some shoes a few years back) and of course mineral oil. Are any of these okay or would I be commiting some horrible malpractice against my equipment by employing such "off-label" uses?

I have other questions, but I think these are the two that are keeping me from starting today. Luckily I have 3 cartridges left on my 5-bladed gilette monstrosity, so I can keep the lycanthropy at bay a bit longer.