First of all I'd like to say hello to everyone in the forums, this is my first post. I have used the forum for quite a bit of information and appreciate all the replies and help that is given here to the many questions that are asked. My question is that I have some Wyeast smack packs that are about 10 months old. I contacted my local brew shop and they suggested I make a yeast starter for the Wyeast. Here is my question a yeast starter takes 1lb of dry malt for about 4-5 dollars. I can buy a yeast pack for about $5.50. Would it make more sense to buy the same yeast and pitch with the old yeast or should I make the starter with the old yeast. The cost would be close to the same in making the starter and the replacement yeast. Pitching the old yeast and the new yeast would increase my yeast count, is that correct? Thanks for the help in advance.