Originally Posted by
Utopian
Yeah, I'm going to go in the opposite direction. If you have shaved with a straight only once, then you, or anyone else who is new to this, should only be concentrating on learning how to use that razor. If you want to buy stuff, then focus on a good brush and some soaps and/or creams. Even if the straight doesn't work out for you, that stuff will serve you well for any other kind of wet shaving, which of course should only involve a DE razor.
Of course a good strop is essential while you are trying to figure out how to use a straight razor, but hones are not something that a beginner should even touch for a while, much less buy.
:soapbox: