thanks Mike, i'm just going to get that starter set from Lynn, it comes with a 2" Black Latigo Strop but i think i'll upgrade to a 3"
what hone did you buy? i sent Don an email asking about one of those combo 4000/8000 hones coz they don't seem to have those on their site.. is it not good, th combo hones with 2 diff grits ?
i figure i'll have to get a hone eventually anyway, so i might as well save on the freight charges and get it all at one time.