I'd like to recognize the effort you people are making at helping me arrive at the information I need. With good humor, I also recognize that "personal preference" is already creeping into the conversation.

Byron, about the strop conditioning: I had read that strops should be "broken in". Having zero experience, as I do, with straight razor shaving I don't have anything to compare to. The brand new strop, just intuitively, seems a bit stiff (but perhaps this is good?).

Randy, the FAQs left me with the impression that 0.5 and 1.0 micron grit pastes are mainly for finishing (read: aesthetics, polish). While I do appreciate the need for this, my main priority right now is a great shave. I also want to avoid, if possible, having to order more "kit". I was hoping the so-called "gift set" would set me up right. Which brings me to....

Mike. First-hand opinions on the kit in question is very much appreciated. Although I had >hoped< to avoid having to place another order, your advice on the Norton stone seems to jive with everything else I've read so far. On the other hand, maybe I ought to try shaving with the blade anyway. "PRESHARPENED" [but not perfect] might still be a positive motivation-building experience.

I still would like to hear from more folks. Basically I'm looking to get cruising on this sooner rather than later and without having to order a lot more stuff. I do not want to "send off" my brand new tool. If it must be honed, I would prefer to do it myself. I'd like to keep it simple (at least for awhile) to prove to myself that it can be simple. Tell me if my vision is realistic or not. Here are the tools I'd like to stick with in the first year:

1) The kit I bought (razor, hanging strop, mug, soap, abrahms video). (more soap as needed, of course)
2) 4000/8000 Norton hone
3) Electrical tape (to protect my "first" razor when stroping or honing)

I may embrace this as a hobbyist someday--but I want to prove to myself that it can be simple and practical first. I appreciate any anecdotes and insight that will help me achieve my goal.

Thanks to all who have responded and will respond.