I like Kimber TCSS wire and have used it in many projects. I also use homegrownaudio.com (HGA) wire as it's solid core 22awg and easy to shape and strip and it sounds good. For heavier guage wire I get Electra Cable 16awg solid core wire from GR Research. I've tried radio shack stranded and solid core wires but they tend to break and the insulation melts off too easily. It's not good wire. The Kimber and HGA is good stuff. I use a nail clipper for stripping the teflon on these small wires and a good wire stripper for bigger wires. I suggest practicing with cutting, stripping, shaping, and soldering wires to get the hang of it.
With one exception all of my interconnects were hand-braided by me with either Kimber TCSS I salvaged from extra 4TC/8TC speaker cable, AGSS I repurposed from a pair of KCAG interconnects, or HGA wire I bought in bulk. I use Kimber 4TC for my "A" stereo and Kimber 8TC for my "B" stereo. For my home theater I use 8VS for my center, 4VS for front left and right, and ordinary radio shack 16awg wire for my surrounds.
Bottlehead gear is the best for learning and practicing. You have entered the rabbit hole. Good luck, be safe, and don't be afraid of asking questions. And be safe.