I have been wet shaving since I started shaving and have used a DE razor for about a year, started with a non adjustable and have worked up to an adjustable using Feather blades. I've decided to switch to a straight razor and bought the Cullinan that English had for sale, so I have a razor, a collection of brushes and some soap. My father said he will give me his Illinois #206 strop, it hasn't seen use since I was a kid probably (15+ years) and I am wondering what might be needed to put it in top condition or if it would be better off to go ahead and invest in a strop from The Well Shaved Gentleman. I progressed to this state because my face is easily irritated and I've been fed up with buying and tossing cartridges/blades so of course I'm interested in learning to hone as well. What is the minimum equipment I need to learn honing and what are some good razors to practice with I can find on ebay for a minimum price (I don't want to waste my efforts on one of those "Pakastani" razors), I'm in grad school so funds are tight. Anything else I forgot (excluding stypic pencils and witch hazel)?
Thanks for your help,
Zac