Quote Originally Posted by nschulte25 View Post
For a few years now I have been using a Dovo Shavette but finally pulled the trigger on a new straight razor. It is the Dovo Bismark Ebony, I had been waiting for the right combo of price, brand, and style. I did not want to spend a hundred dollars or more on a razor that had cheap plastic scales, but at the same time I did not want to spend several hundred dollars on a razor. Aside from my excitement over this razor, I do have a few questions.

As far as using a strop;
Do I need to do it before every shave?
Just how precise do I need to be when I strop (In other words, how much damage can I do by stropping poorly)?
It is a good idea to strop before shaving but it isn't mandatory. There are times that you just wont be able to but if your razor is kept in excellent condition it should not be a problem. Improper strop technique can and will cause problems with the geometry of the edge. For instance, you can "roll" the edge by holding the strop to loose or applying to much pressure to the razor as you strop.

Quote Originally Posted by nschulte25 View Post
As far as strop maintenance;
I have seen several different oils, fats, dressing for the leather strop, just how much maintenance does the strop require? Or are those things just products that only help marginally and are really just bait for suckers and beginners?
The strop should be maintained on a regular basis much like your car needs regular oil changes and it can be different from on to the other. I rub my strop with my hands before I use it and if it feels dry I will treat it with a leather conditioner, others may have different approaches.

Quote Originally Posted by nschulte25 View Post
Some strops have a canvas backing, some do not, how important is the canvas strip?
Any and all advise will be appreciated.
It is basically used to "clean" the razor before you put it to the strop but it is also beneficial in prepping the edge.