Hi, everybody.

I'm trying to put together an entry-level kit, and I need a little help. Right now the Boker Edelweiss is on sale. Is it only the handle that's different from the King Cutter, or is the blade different as well (other than the markings, of course)? Will the bone handle last longer than the synthetic one?

Any reason why the Simpson Beaufort 4 Pure Badger would not make a good entry-level brush? (I would be very grateful if anyone can tell me how well the color of the Boker Edelweiss and a Simpson brush match up.)

The strop is another thing. I'm not sure yet if I want to hang a strop in our bathroom. How do people like their paddle strops? Any limitations that a hanging strop solves? If I do go for a hanging strop, what are the advantages/disadvantages of webbed-fabric stops and the advantages/disadvantages of the different kinds of webbed fabric? (If this question is too much for a beginner to even worry about, just let me know. I can just get either a paddle or the basic 2" Latigo single leather strop.)

In all cases I'm trying to keep the price down, so if the item is more expensive because of some cosmetic reason or because the materials are a little hard to come by, I'll choose the cheaper item. I'm just a beginner, there's plenty of time for upgrade later as my stuff wears out.

I'm in Taiwan, so shipping charges will kill certain things off for me. A mug, for example, is too heavy and bulky for me to want to pay shipping on. Also, Taylor of Old Bond Street opened up a small shop near me, so shaving soaps and aftershaves are taken care of.

I appreciate any suggestions you have.