Well, my entry into straight razor shaving was like I do most things. Spent some money and bought everything far too quickly. But anyhow, did the reading, have had three great shaves, but now have a few questions!

I'm back in Australia, and like many aussies, hit up Shaver Shop. And yes, any customer service person I met really had no idea (and happily admitted it). But I went with my gut to pick up a few extra products. Seems like this is a fairly common problem on here.

Bought a Dovo 5/8 blade. $99. Happy. Will definitely look at some new blades soon too though! But my questions lie in strop, whetstone:

- I bought the P.A. Brown Strop (number 12, $99) which as I've discovered is a rather no name strop, with a second strap on the back of which appears to be unfinished (right term?) leather. Is this okay to use in place of linen or canvas? Or have a I wasted the dosh?

- I bought a whetstone Tojrio 8000 from King of Knives ($164 - very special price due to Xmas sales). But I've since seen every single person recommend the 4000/8000 combos like Norton. Again, wasted dosh? or is this okay for intermittent honing (http://straightrazorpalace.com/shavi...hones-2.html)?


Yes, if I had my choices again, I would have ordered the Norton and a double strop from ShaveNation.com and be done with it. But my OCD is kicking in and I want to end it! Keep the GF happy either way