Girdle of XX STR on kensai/mage?

Hey guys,

I am making a mage that I intend to dual-class to Kensai later. STR is an advantage for the Kensai, but not so much the mage aside from being able to carry more.

If I use a girdle to get STR, can I save points in STR when I create the character? Lets say 12 instead of the 18 I would otherwise get.

Hope you can help me out :)