Nothing is ever the same. They may look the same, and perform the same task, but rarely perform the same. Some folks feel they have to start with everything new, nothing wrong with that. Some start with vintage thinking to save a few bucks, or just because they love the history behind something old. I fall into the latter category, hence my Othello, Torrey, and W.H. Morley and Sons Clover.
Then the strops and brushes. The most expensive aren't always the best, IMO. The best brush I have is also the cheapest. It started rather stiff, but a little hot water and some of my wife's hair conditioner has produced a great lather producer. My expensive brush turned out to be a marshmallow. I started with an Illinois 835 strop and quickly nicked it up. Could never produce a good edge with it, but time and practice will tell. The strop that works very well for me is the one I got from gssixgun, a member and vendor here. The leather is mounted to a nice piece of Oak, and if you follow his instructions, works exceedingly well at producing a very clean, smooth edge. It's one of those things where starting at the beginning and a little trial and error, pays dividends with less money spent and more experience gained.
Good Luck and good shaving.