Most obsessive forum I have every read

[JFriendly123]

I have just ordered my first straight razor from Lynn after reading just about every post on SRP and every YouTube video I can find. I love shaving with a DE and started with the DE because I was getting very annoyed at buying expensive Gillette razors. I have quickly realized this "hobby?" is no cheaper but at least you get to own some beautiful razors etc. My first straight is a Ralf Aust 5/8. I am a bit concerned about my first shave in the next few days, which I am sure is perfectly natural. I am finding it very hard not to be a razor bore telling mates of the latest awesome custom razor I have found. I am sure my first restoration is not far away as well as a set of hones, woodworking workshop and a shed full of blanks. Thank you to everyone for all the help and advise you guys put on here; without it I would never have taken the plunge.

I have one question?

Would you strop a razor from Lynn before using it? I am concerned my technique may be off and I would at least like to try the razor once before I destroy it with my ineptitude. Or can I not do too much harm and should strop anyway? I have watched a ton on videos! No wrist movement, spine first, move razor before putting down blade etc! theory is one thing practice is quite another. Thanks all again btw I live in Plymouth, Devon in the UK.

[Substance]

Don't strop before using if professionally honed, that way you know it is not the blade but technique or prep if it is not right and you have your bench mark if it dulls from stropping etc

[carlmaloschneider]

What Substance said. Also, go ahead and be a bore; it's amazing how many topics can be turned to conversations about razors: "Yeah, it's a nice car you just bought. New cars have so much plastic in them. Older cars contained more steel. Talking of steel, my new razor is carbon steel..., yeah, that's right, carbon steel, yeah, it's a straight razor..."

Carl

[edhewitt]

I agree with the general consensus, use it first, then strop before the next shave.

[JFriendly123]

Thanks will go for the use first not sure I would have been able to resist anyway. I expect the sweat will get rid of any lather anyway!

[Euclid440]

You do have to remember some of us are over the top. Really you don’t need too much gear to start and it is not as complicated or ridged as it may sound.
People have been shaving with straight razors for hundreds of years without all the wazoo…stuff we can’t live without.

A well-honed razor, a strop, soap and brush. And a mentor… and you are good to go for a long time.
Our goals may be the perfect edge, yours should be to scrape the hair off you face without the loss of blood.

Keep it simple as long as you can.

[DennisBarberShop]

I've found 99.99999% of us are obsessive compulsive addictive personalities on here.

[Gonzo4str8rzrs]

Takes at least 100 shaves to become some what comfortable with everything to get a good shave. All of us do have the over the top syndrome or OCD/ADD and its a good thing. That what makes up successful at this.
Do your best to learn how to pull your skin, prep your beard, building lather, finding the correct grind, stropping, honing once you have mastered stropping and the edge dies out some, I would recommend using a service or professional for a while, and then determine type of razor works best for you. Don't move onto your next razor until you master the one you have. After my first six months of using a straight I am now able to say I know nothing and the real learning begins from here. I now know how to shave utilizing a straight to its full potential.
You can and will be successful, just be patient. Big learning curve, one day you think you got it, then the next you are all messed up again and do not know what you did. Try keeping your routine as consistent as possible, it will help.

[edhewitt]

Thanks will go for the use first not sure I would have been able to resist anyway. I expect the sweat will get rid of any lather anyway!

I have found sweat to be quite a good lubricant for shaving

[badg3r]

I have found sweat to be quite a good lubricant for shaving

Tears will work in a pinch.... Not to mention that red stuff.