Don't worry Jeff - I'm a newbie myself, and have been reading for over two-months now before buying a cheap Wapi a few weeks ago and a used Dovo strop. Like others have said here, it's really not all about the gear, but mostly technique. As long as your blade can hold and edge (and I can assure you Dovo's can), and that you use correct form on the strop, you'll have good success over time.

As another confidence booster, you have much better equipment than any newbie I've seen post here before. Just take your time and enjoy the shave.

Best of luck,

Mark