Welcome aboard Harold. You may also want to check out Bill Ellis' shop. He has some spike-points in the 5/8 range http://www.billysblades.com/Entry%20Level%20Razors.htm for $45 (approx) a pop. Bill definitely knows how to hone'em, just ask Josh (JLStorm) As for strops, someone already mentioned Tony's shop as THE place to get'em. Good luck, enjoy and look into the coticules, as they'd be a local resource for you.