for a good cheap strop checkout
RupRazor - Home he has a filly strop for $20 it is a good starter strop as you are most likely to nick or damage your first one
soaps last longer then creams are usually cheaper and a little slicker but are usually a little more difficult to lather but it isn't rocket science despite what some believe it is just soap and water either you need more of one or the other or both mix well and shave, you can lather on face or in a bowl or in a mug on top of the soap whatever you prefer no right or wrong method, depending on what type of soap you buy it may fit into a mug easily and after a few uses they tend to mold nicely to bottom
check out the forums for soaps and vendors, plenty of both good soaps-soap makers here as well as other vendors too
good luck