Another Beginner Thread

[Peterazor]

Hi guys first post from a prospective buyer. I've done a lot of research, read the beginner faq and watched youtube stropping/honing/shaving videos. I'm planning on getting either a Dovo Tortoise.

I've read complaints about shave ready razors not being sharp enough. I'm not sure if this because new users are using bad technique or that dovo factory pre-sharpening is inconsistent or on the rough side.

1. Should I go with a retailer like Straight Razor Design that hones them or is that a marketing ploy? Do they really re-hone them?

2. Another related question is a leather strop all I need to get a new razor shave ready? Or should I get a paste and put it on the back canvas side? I'd like to avoid buying a stone and or ruining the edge. Even though part of the appeal to me was doing my own honing, I'd like to avoid problems and send it in for service for the first re hone after reading problems beginners have.

3. I understand many suggest getting a cheap practice strop but I want to get a discount by buying the strop/razor set at SRD (3" Latigo). Simplifying things by getting everything at one place. I'm going to take it slow for the first month to avoid nicking. I've practiced with a knife on a belt, its hard to believe this is such a problem.

4. Can anyone give an opinion on any of these retailers or one I didn't list? BTW, I'm leaning towards SRD
Straight Razor Design, Classic Shaving, Vintage Blades, Nashville Knife Shop, Knife Center, Royal Shave

Is it ok to talk about retailers without it conflicting with board sponsors/advertisers?