Gents,
I'm looking into, rather eagerly I might add, acquiring a str8 and strop to learn the art of the straight razor shave. I travel full time in my profession, and will be for at least another year, till I am ready to head overseas. I currently use DEs (I swapped to save money!) and get very good shaves with them, however the "mystique" has disappeared and I find myself looking more and more across the fence. However, because of my travels, I would like some help in gauging the practicality of undertaking this endeavor, especially since I already have an "itch" to restore old razors. I had a hobby of finding the vintage DEs, cleaning them up, and using them or passing them on - but they're hard to find now. So without further ado, here are the questions.

1) In your estimation, would the whole endeavor be practical at this time?

2) Which style of strop would be better, hanging or paddle? I have been looking at TM's apprentice strop, however I notice many people recommend a paddle for travel.

3) For the occasional touch ups, what would be the best means for my situation? Are the pasted paddles messy? Would a good stone be a more viable option?

4) Which style of hones would be the most conducive to travel, low maintainence, and preferrably non over honing (atleast till I learn the art)?

5) Are there any other considerations you can think of that I haven't mentioned?

I appreciate any and all advice in this matter.
BJ