Quote Originally Posted by Steak View Post
Thank you. And thanks for all your recommendations. It will save me money. Money is somewhat of a factor. It's just that this is my first time getting in, so I have to buy a lot of things. The only thing I'm really splurging on is the brush, because that will last pretty much forever correct? And I can't really mess that up? Or can I, lol?

And thanks for explaining the hone thing. I looked up the swaty, but for some reason neither of the websites I'm going to be ordering from has one. So I went to ebay. Is this what you are recommending?

vintage franz swaty wahring beiwien austria hone - eBay (item 110450123677 end time Nov-01-09 16:35:05 PST)

Also, in the article above (Frequently Asked Questions - Straight Razor Place Wiki) that explains what makes a good razor, it says to get a 6/8. Would it make much a difference if I got a 5/8? I found a cheap $50 razor that seems to be in good condition, but it's only 5/8.

FS: Morley 5/8 full hollow - Straight Razor Place Classifieds
5/8 or 6/8 makes little difference, but for a new person the 5/8 and even 4/8 are easiest to handle. The stuff you have picked out is great, however like it was said above, you need to start on a cheaper strop and move up, but a 3" is easiest to use. The Soap shown above from CVS and Walgreens works and is cheap.
DOn't get too hung up on honing right now. You can have that done, but the Norton set is the cheapest and easiest way to start. I also recommend the chinese 12K as its a cheap finishing hone and cuts slow. SWaty hones are great I am told and every time I find one they are expensive and are really only for touch ups.
Take your time and be patient and you will learn to enjoy it. Going to fast will result in cuts, money wasted, and an unhappy result.
Good Luck and Welcome to SRP!