SO I finally got fed up with disposable razors - ordered myself a DOVO straight razor, strop, some creams, a brush and for kicks a merker vision safety razor while learning to use the straight.

My question is about stones, as i delayed purchasing one of these due the difference of opinion encountered while reading many different forums.

What is the general consensus here? I see the norton waterstone mentioned in several places - the 4000/8000 3" seems to be a good buy. But then is there an advantage to purchasing an oil stone?

I saw that classic shaving ships their razors to Lynn in Medina Ohio - which is about 20 minutes drive for me! Does lynn ever post here? and if so would i be able to bring my razor up and watch him hone it lol

I am a little skeptical to honing my 100+ dollar razor myself at first and would love to see first hand the technique used. Im sure if i try it myself Ill just butcher and scew up my razor blade heh - which leads to another question (do i need to hone my razor when i get it brand new?) or just strop?

I dont care about costs - so that aside what are your opinions!

Ive also been searching for a video on stropping, honing - and would love to see this done first hand, as the descriptions Ive read seem to be pretty good, and i think i know the method, a final visual aid would work wonders i believe.

And a video on the use of the straight razor would come in quite handy too!

I guess im a visual guy heh