Check the classifieds and Vendors Corner forum. There are several sources of inexpensive, but very good strops.

Keep working the area between the sideburn and jawline, WTG only until you are comfortable with the blade angles and manipulating the razor. Take your time. There is no hurry.

Another good source of information is Lynn's CD. It really is a good reference for the novice. It's over 3 hours long and covers most of the major topics of straight razors, including shaving with one.