Hi everyone. I'm new here and just recently decided to try straight razor shaving. I'm just getting together my first setup and I'm hoping to do all this as cheaply as possible, if possible, but I'm beginning to fear there may be some significant initial investment required. I've done a good deal of research, so I'm fairly familiar with all thats required. I've found two razors at my local antique store that seemed nice enough. A thin, more worn razor for practice honing and such that appears to be a Tom & Co. Senato (if that means anything to anyone). The other a thicker heavier (which I hear is recommended for starting) H. Keschner, Solingen, Germany "Diamond" 33 (also have no idea if that means anything, but it looks nice enough.)

I've de-rusted and cleaned/polished them up to a nice shine using very fine sandpaper so they're good to go in that regard. My problem is I don't know which hone I need for them. They're both fairly sharp (certainly not shaving sharp) and pass the fingernail/bevel test. Of course, they don't seem to be anywhere close to passing any sort of Hanging Hair Test. I understand the Norton 4k/8k or Naniwa equivalent is the way to go here, but I'm hesitant to drop that kind of cash right from the get go. I know a pre-honed razor is recommended for this reason, but I feel rather dedicated to the blades I've got already. So, the question is: will a cheaper, finer Chinese 12k/Swaty/etc. stone work well enough if I just hone enough (given it would take much longer)? Or do I have no choice but to use the coarser stones to truly sharpen these razors back to shaving sharpness?

Also, can anyone recommend a good beginner strop? I've heard "filly"s recommended but can't seem to figure out what that might be. I've found some 30 dollar Illinois strops, but it seems like there must be a cheaper alternative for a thing that'll likely get sliced to ribbons in a short time (or so I hear).

Thanks for any help!