Straight Razor Shaving Information-Start Here

Razors: http://bit.ly/StraightRazorsSN
Stones: http://bit.ly/AllStonesSN
Strops: http://bit.ly/AllStropsSN
Chromium Oxide: http://bit.ly/ChromiumOxideBarSN
   / geofatboy  
The easiest, most common place to start is with a 5/8 Round Point, Carbon Steel Blade. Carbon steel costs less, and is easier to sharpen to a shave ready state. Stainless is more difficult to sharpen but the bright side is that it will hold an edge longer than carbon steel. The Boker-Shave Nation King Cutter straight razors were designed with that in mind and at a desirable price point so that you can try out straight razor shaving without breaking your wallet. 
You should be able to shave with the razor right out of the sealed sleeve like I have demonstrated in many of my videos. BTW-The sleeves are sealed for hygienic reasons. You don't want someone shaving with your straight razor before you get it. Some people who hone razors will test-shave with them to see if they are sharp enough. In today's day and age, and if you are any sort of a germaphobe as I am, you may not support this. Add to that the fact that some companies will void the warranty on the razor if someone breaks the seal and sharpens the razor before you get it. 
If you're going to become an avid straight razor shaver, you will likely want to learn how to keep it shave-ready yourself. This adds to the whole mystique and satisfaction of the experience. Learning a new skill is always satisfying. 
Once you become proficient with a straight razor you will achieve a whole new level of satisfaction. That and you won't be able to stop touching your face! Sharpen that razor yourself and you will take it to the next level.
A straight razor that is well taken care of can be gifted or passed on to someone else. That friend or relative will think of you every time they pick up that razor to shave with it. Hopefully fond memories! I have a Boker Red-injun razor that is well over 100 years old. 
Regarding Stropping:
It's easiest to get a strop that is 3 inches wide, with a decent usable length having two sides or sections to it. Literally, two strops in one. One, A smooth leather side and the other, a fabric, or webbed side. With the strop being 3 inches wide, it will be wider than the blade so you can perform your round trips in a straight back and forth motion. If you have a 2 inch or 2-1/2 inch wide strop, you will need to perform the X pattern so that the entire length of the blade contacts the strop. Not super difficult, but you want to keep it simple when you're starting out. It's my opinion that when considering anything new and unknown, the confused mind always says NO! So you don't want to make it too complicated at first.
Using the strop before every shave will keep the razor sharp enough to shave with for a while, then you will need to go to a stone like the Norton 4/8K using the 8K side to refresh it, or a Naniwa 12K Stone then back to the strop. 
Chromium oxide on the fabric or webbed side of the strop will help give the blade a smooth polished edge.
My YouTube channel: Geofatboy has videos on all of these topics. I will post links to products with demonstration videos below where it says Show More so that you can find your desired topic easily. Feel free to view the videos for guidelines on how things are done. 
Keep in mind I'm not saying my way is perfect, or that I'm a shaving or sharpening expert. I try to show how I've done it and what works for me. You can always alter or fine tune things to suit your personal skill level.
Over the years I've gotten many comments that go something like "My face would look like Freddie Kruger if I tried that!" My opinion is that those kinds of comments support a defeatist attitude. My reply is always, "It's really not rocket science, you can learn just about any new skill with repeated and persistent effort." You will come to find that muscle memory is your friend and that time away from the actual shave will assist you in becoming better at the actual shave. 
If you're having trouble, get yourself a reasonably priced shavette or replaceable blade straight razor, also called a Barber's razor. Practice the movements without the blade in the razor until you feel comfortable. Then insert the blade and give it a go. 
Start on the cheeks since they are the easiest area of the face to shave. Put down the straight razor and finish up the shave with your safety or cartridge razor, whatever you currently use. Try to do a little more with the straight razor and a little less with the safety razor during every shave until you are completing the entire shave with the straight razor. Most Gents find the chin and mustache area the most difficult areas to navigate with a straight razor. Once you conquer those areas, you're a pro! 
Yes, there is a learning curve, but stick with it and you will master it. Did you learn to ride a bike, ice skate, or drive a stick shift the first time you tried it? My point exactly. Persevere to persevere.