Here we go!!!

So, I have entertained thoughts of using a straight razor for somewhere over 25 years. Even had a friend that was a hair dresser obtain a removable blade straight for me around '80. Chickened out. Didn't have any idea how to use the bloody razor. More than likely a good thing. Long before there were websites like this.
So, Friday morning I'm going to make some really good lather and use the Dovo Special honed by Lynn and stropped on my Grandfather's, perhaps Great Grandfather's 'Genuine Shell 872 Alakeside (arrow through all letters) leatherstrop', and give it a try.
Wish me luck and a steady hand.
Well, while I'm here, there are a total of three leather strops, all in the same hanger. The one I just described, seems to have a coarse side and a smooth side, but not open poars; a 'Grbco or Grsco Hone' leather strop that has one side with very open pores like horse skin that is more coarse; and a 'genuine Russian tanned YAK", very limber that has the same type sides and on the bottom a circular trade mark, center of 'Pioneer Brand', outer edges of AJ Mc Geein ,& Co, San Francisco, Cal. Under that 'Professionals', under that in a double lined box '301', and then a number that ends in .00, but the preceding is totally worn off. Anyone know about these strops?

Sorry, I have no Idea about the strops, but I wanted to wish you Good Luck!

Don't worry its nowhere near as difficult or dangerous as you might imagine, but you may want to start out shaving only a small section of your face for the first time.

Keep us informed of the results.



Ivan

Good luck and let us all know how it turns out.

James, thank you for your service. God bless.
Had to put off the first shave until this morning. I didn't realize how poorly coordinated my left hand was!
Took it slow and concentrated on blade angle. Actually, it went well, I think, for my first shave with a straight. Did only two passes, then finished up with a DE.
Not a close shave with the straight, but still better than a cartridge razor. Two minor nicks, one under my nose and one under my lower lip in the little valley.
Now that the first one is out of the way, I believe the next will be better for the experience and confidence gained. Unless I become a lot faster, looks like straight razors will have to be limited to weekend use.