Hi all,
I am interested in getting into the straight razor shaving.
I read most of the stickies, but I still would like to ask a few questions.

First the omnipresent question; what is a good razor brand that does not break the bank. I am looking for hollow ground, carbon mainly blade.

About sharpening: I own a bunch of Japanese knives so I have polishing stones highest being Naniwa 10k SS, however I see some people talk about 12k stones, is going so high really necessary?

Strops: I read that strop should be not loaded with abrasives, however I use CrO on my knife strop that is ~30k grit, is this acceptable or really the srop should be not loaded at all?

Thanks a lot for your help in advance.