I always see people telling new folks to go cheap... IMO I think that's a good option only if you are on a budget. There is a good chance that if you are careful with your stuff, no serious damage will be done. If you don't like it, you can sell it on the classifieds and get most of your money back out of it...if you do like it, you have a blade you will always want to keep.

Now, that being said, strops are a different deal because invariably all new folks will at LEAST nick a strop once. Honestly, for you, I would recommend the SRD modular paddle strop. Paddle strops are always useful to have around, it being a paddle...it takes the tautness learning curve out of things for now, it's a good value and it's good looking. Plus, if you nick a pad, you can get a replacement fairly inexpensively. Plus, with the rough leather, felt pad, crox, etc...you'll have everything you need to keep your razor going for a good while.

Main reason I decided to chime in is I've dealt with enough photographers/cinematographers to know if something isn't aesthetically pleasing, they will enjoy it less...so I highly recommend against the cheap set-up route for you.