Hi folks! I'm new at this straight razor shaving but after a few shaves, I'm in this for the long term. I have Lynn's video and want to do a good job of maintaining my blade(s) over the long haul. I'm confused by what I may need to start with.

I know eventually I will need some hones or coticules to maintain my blades in the long run. But I also see alot written about pastes. Am I ok to get some pastes for the first 6 months or so to keep an edge on my blade or am I best to get a set of 4000/8000/12000 stones to start with? I'm confused about when to use which, so I could use some education as to where it is best for a noob like me to start out.