Wacker is another good German brand. I have two of them, both are attractive razors and great shavers. I noticed that the Belgian shop mentioned earlier carries the brand.

I suggest staying away from the French Thiers Issard brand, at least at first. I have two of their razors and both are fine; but others have reported that the quality of workmanship on TI razors may vary more than it should considering the price of their razors.

The conscientious in this forum seems to be that a 6/8" wide blade is a good place for beginners to start although anything between 5/8" and 7/8" can work. Razors under 5/8" and over 7/8" are best left to experienced shavers as they are harder to use for beginners.

As far as a strop is concerned, you might wait until you get back home as kangaroo hide strops can be quite nice. I do not have one..... yet.