Thanks to SRD, I got my wet shaving kit in just a few short days. I have a Dovo Best Quality and upgraded to the 3" Latigo strop and Stephens Woodworking silver tip brush (SRD #1). First shave went well. I went for the whole face a little at a time just experimenting, but in many places just ended up scraping the lather off my face with no pressure as I'm still trying to figure it out. I ended up only really shaving my side burns and cheeks.

I'm now starting to think about maintaining this blade, and I'm trying to decide between a balsa pasted strop and a Chinese 12k hone. From what I've read, pasted strops are only good for so long before you need a hone, whereas the finishing stone route seems like a more permanent solution to being self sufficient. Am I right about that? Any suggestions for a beginner?