Straight newbie seeks advice!

[Pumpkin]

I realise I'll probably get a lot of information and suggestions from a couple of general questions...but here goes:

I'm looking at a couple of straights...I know neither is "shave ready" so I'll be sending them to The Invisible Edge to be honed. I'm not planning on doing my own honing yet (or for some time).

Will a 12k Chinese Water Stone and a leather strop be sufficient/suitable for regular maintenance?

Anything particular to look for when buying a strop? Length/Width?
Do I need paste as well?

I'm sure I'll have lots more questions later

 

[charismata]

I realise I'll probably get a lot of information and suggestions from a couple of general questions...but here goes:

I'm looking at a couple of straights...I know neither is "shave ready" so I'll be sending them to The Invisible Edge to be honed. I'm not planning on doing my own honing yet (or for some time).

Will a 12k Chinese Water Stone and a leather strop be sufficient/suitable for regular maintenance?

Anything particular to look for when buying a strop? Length/Width?
Do I need paste as well?

I'm sure I'll have lots more questions later

IMO a barber hone would be cheaper and quicker. A 12K should put a nice smooth edge on your blade. But it will probably take a little longer than a barber hone. Barber hones tend to cut pretty fast in my opinion but I don't think they put quite as smooth an edge on as the 12K. I use both a barber hone and a 12K and like them both for their individual uses.

Yes a strop, of some kind, is really a must have for straight shaving.

 

[Luc]

I currently have the Dovo canvas/leather combo and didn't use any other strop since.

I have a small barber hone and it seems to maintain my edge everytime I used it.

I have to do the X pattern (2" strop) but I will be getting a 3" soon so I'm happy!

I think to start with, the strop with canvas/leather is perfect. I wouldn't use any pastes yet (if you do, you will need another strop as you need a plain leather). The hone can wait a bit...