Hey all,

First off ill introduce myself.My names Ian, and im a 25 year old Londoner, who is now looking in to the noble art of straight shaving.I have ordered my equipment perhaps a little hastily, only really going on my own vague knowledge and had not yet discovered places such as this fora.

My first question is , have i ordered wisely? Im beginning with a Dovo Bismarck that i have purchased and am awaiting delivery of from King Barber (Luke Leadbitter trading as) > Cutthroat razors, shaving cream, after shave and accessories.
The prices on that site for this particular razor were more than competitive, so along with a basic strop, shaving foam and entry level brush i have taken a risk.

To simplify my questions into a coherent, easy to reply to manner ill put them below concisely.

1.Is the bismarck a decent starter blade?

2.For a strong beard resistant to mach 3, is 6/8 enough?

3.I have purchased a cyril r salter narrow hanging strop.I understand how to strop it, but is this strop good enough to start? Will a careful pair of hands (im very steady handed) and a calm approach allow me to pick up stropping quickly? Or is it fairly routine to dull your first blade in the learning process.

4. Ive ordered a cheap brush until i establish my shaving routines and feel i have the techniques down.Will i notice a big difference physically?

Anyway, thanks for taking the time to read, as a Londoner i have access to some fantastic barbers, and very much look forward to becoming involved in this very specific community.