Thread: What to buy and some simple questions

I have re-read your original post, and fear that you were looking for more distilled information than provided. So... the following is what I would do if starting again and wanted new gear.

Between the two combo's you referenced I would get the Dovo. It is of good quality, from a great vendor, and will be honed to perfection. The strop is of better quality also, and comes with a fabric component that the other choice lacks.

Since you are only interested in maintaining your razor that will be purchased shave ready, I would get the hard balsa strop with chromium oxide here: Hard Balsa Strop with Chromium Oxide It will come with great instructions that, if followed, will keep you shaving for some time before needing to send the razor out or learning to hone if you choose.

Speaking of sending razors out to be honed, that is a good reason to have 2 razors. If funds allow, buy both sets you referenced, the balsa strop and you will be set for a long time indeed. No need for hones, and you can concentrate on learning the art of shaving with a straight.