Purchasing first razor, what to I REALLY need??
There are so many posts about accessories, stones, and strops, and of course the Norton 4000/8000, I wanted to describe my plan and ask a few questions.
I am going to purchase a DOVO "Special" Tortoise 6/8 from classic shaving and have it honed by Lynn. I have a limited budget, and really dont want to kill my first razor by trying to hone it myself, I did that once with a pocket knife and ended up destroying it! I also really want to try and avoid purchasing any extra equipment that I could buy later down the road.
I know I will probably have to purchase at least two strops, or perhaps one of the four sided strops from Tony for sharpening and finishing, but I have several questions about this:
1. no one seems to mention the width of strop needed, is a 3" better than 2", will a thicker strop or stone help keep a more uniform edge?
2. If the new razor is professionally honed, can I get away with a strop and not worry about the honing stone for a while?
3. Paddle strop or hanging strop for sharpening pastes?
4. 1.0 and .50 pastes or .50 and .25 pastes?
5. Does an all leather strop (no linen) have two usable sides or just one?
I know my choice of razor isnt the cheapest, but I have used DOVO's subsidiary for my safety razor and I want to stick with the same company. My main goal is to eliminate any upfront coasts of products and accessories that I do not need. However, if I will need an item within 3 months of buying the razor, I might as well get it now.
I already have all the brushes and creams and conditioners so I am set there.
Any words of advice would be VERY appreciated.
thanks so much,
-Josh