I've been lurking here for a couple of weeks but the gift I received today made me register.

Got a starter set from Straight Razor Designs from the Mrs, officially have 1 whole shave under my belt.

Currently rockin' a Dovo Bismarck, a SRD premium II strop, SRD #4 silvertip brush, generic mug, some soap, then the standard alum and styptic.

Figured this was the best area to kill 2 birds with one stone by getting my introduction out of the way, and also asking if there was any other essential kit I should buy. The only thing on my list is a honing stone of some description, so any tips on which one would be appreciated. From what I've read a Norton 4k/8k is sufficient for keeping a razor operational.

Anyway, this post is already too long winded...guess I'll save the rest of my inane babble for responding to all the posts I'm sure you fine people will make.