here at SRP...

I'm sure this has been asked a zillion times and everyone has an opinion.

Maybe if I asked it this way:

For my first SR kit....what do I need to stay away from? Brand wise? Product wise?

I don't want to nor can I invest a lot. $50 is my max for a razor, which I've found a number of for that on the classifieds here. Yet, I don't know what brands are good, etc. Are some better than others for a beginner? Some hold edge better?

I'm assuming I would want a shave ready razor.??

It is my understanding that honing be done by pros and that it shouldn't need it very often.

As the owner I however, will have to strop the blade. What should I get for that?

A razor and leather strop, is that all I need? I think someone said I need a fabric strop with some stuff put on it.

There needs to be a beginners handbook somewhere.

So...

What does one need to begin their SR journey?

What SR's should I not even consider, if any?

What do I need to find in a strop? Where does one get a strop?