Hi,

I am essentially new to straight razor shaving. I tried to get into it a few years ago, but lost interest for bad reasons. Anyways, I am looking to try again, but I need to buy some things and really need some advice on what to buy.

First off, I already own a DOVO russian leather strop, BUT it sat on a shelf folded over for quite a while, and now it has sort of a wrinkle perpendicular to the stropping direction. I put some strop dressing on it, and hung a weight from it to try to straighten it out. It worked to a small degree, but it still doesnt look new. My question is, is this strop completely shot, and do I need to buy a new one, or can I fix it, or is it even a problem?? I am worried about blade being messed up when it runs over this "wrinkle" in the leather.
If I do need to buy a new strop, any recommendations for a first timer?? I was looking at the "American Made Xtra Wide Mountain Strop " from classic shaving, and sort of liked the idea, of a nice big strop.

Secondly, I already own a Norton 4K/8K waterstone. Would it be recommended to buy a different stone?? I originally practiced with mine probably a total of 5 times. Is there any way to damage these stones with careful, but uneducated practice honing? What would be signs of a damaged hone. For the record, it does not seem to have any damage to my eye, even though it is not that of a master!

Third, I do not own a straight razor. This is where I feel I need the most advice. I am confused on what brand, carbon or stainless, new or used, expensive or cheap etc.
At the moment, I feel like one I get a good razor and strop etc, and some solid advice, I feel I will be ready to commit to straight razor shaving for quite a while, so I am not ruling out buying an expensive new razor. I am confused though as to if I should spend a lot now and get an awesome razor that will last a long time, or if I should buy a cheap new razor, to practice shaving, stropping, and honing with, with the idea that I might damage it with my inexperience. Then later, buy the expensive nice razor. The second option is more expensive though, since I have to eventually buy two razors.
Ive been looking at the DOVO high carbon razors at the moment. What are your opinion on razors for beginners?
I was planning on buying the high carbon, based on past advice that it is easier to hone. Is this true??


Thanks to anyone that will read this post, I know it is long. I am really wanting to get into the straight razor shaving lifestyle, but I feel it would be a bad move to buy anything, before getting some quality advice from people with experience.

Thanks!

Dustin