Thread: Norton 4K/8K stone or paddle strop?

Hi,

I'm new to straight shaving. I have a Dovo that I will be using, I may add a couple of different razors over time.
For the moment, My concern is to become self sufficient in regards to keeping a serviceable edge on my razor.
I just ordered a strop from the well shaved gentleman.
My question is this:
My current razor was "out of the box", not "shave ready". I want to sharpen my own razor, I will soon be moving to Guam and don't want to rely on having to mail a razor away to be sharpened.
What would be the better route to take?
1.)Norton 4000/8000 combination stone. Then stropping on the canvas followed by stropping on the leather of my strop. Or........

2.)4 sided paddle strop with abrasive pastes on each side. Then stropping on canvas followed by leather.

With the goal of being self sufficient. What would be the recommend purchase?
Norton 4000/8000 stone or a 4 sided paddle strop with various grades of abrasive pastes?

Keeping in mind, I'm a beginner and I am going to be sharpening out of the box razors myself.

I am sure I'll eventually end up with both the stone and the paddle one day.
Which option would lead to the most success starting out?

Thank you for any advice.

Take care,
Mitch