Quote Originally Posted by flyboy View Post
This is what I have ordered:

DOVO Best Value Ivory Yellow Straight Razor 5/8"" Full Hollow Ground

Standard Pure Badger Shave Brush Off White Handle

Styptic Pencil

Shave Soap

DOVO German Razor Strop Leather Conditioner

Illinois Razor Strop 2"" x 20"" Top Grain Cowhide with Handle

Thiers Issard Low Grease White Paste for Razor Strop (for canvas side?)

Col Conk glycerine shave soap

And I am thinking about ordering a 4000/8000 Norton

Does this sound like a good start?
Sounds just fine.
I started out with a Dovo. I believed the little note that came with the razor, stating that it was ready to go, out of the box. (after being stropped). I hadn't discovered SRP yet, so I had no reason to doubt Dovo's note.
Guess what? The shaves went just fine. I did about 15 shaves before the edge started to shave uncomfortable. I'm not alone in that experience. Hence my advice is to read about stropping, and try the razor first. Try shaving a bit of arm hair. If it does that with ease, try shaving your beard. If you can manage to get parts of your face smooth, it's okay. If not, send it to Lynn.

Quote Originally Posted by flyboy View Post
I am used to both being patient and using a fine touch. It might be a bit optimistic, but I am an optimist and don't see any reason why I cannot do this.
Quote Originally Posted by flyboy View Post
How long time does it usually take when a blade is sent out for honing?

I am slightly impatient
I think we have that in common.

I don't recommend learning how to hone before you have gained some confidence shaving with a straight razor. You need shaving skills to assess your honing results.

Good luck with the Dovo,

Bart.