Thread: Taking the Plunge Today

So I have been obsessively researching straight razor shaving for the last month and have finally decided to put my money where my mouth is. I've been cartridge shaving since 15 and have had enough feeding Gillette money. I figured it would be nice to have complete independence from corporate America in at least one area of my life. The idea of purchasing a pre honed razor older than my father and being able to maintain that blade indefinitely with a strop and finishing stone was music to my ears. A little shaving soap a few times a year and a guy is good to go.
I am purchasing all necessary equipment in phases to stretch out the initial cash outlay, with today's purchase being a virtual NOS German made blade from the early 1900's in the low $100's. Last payday I purchased a mug, stand and entry level badger brush. Next payday will come the strop, croox, and strop conditioner. A month later will come the 12k. Between now and the strop purchase, I will be getting used to the feel of the blade in my hand since I have never in my life handled one. Of course I will not be shaving with the blade until I have the strop, but building muscle memory by handling the blade may make for a less awkward initial shave.
I have read that it is highly advisable not to strop after shaving, and to wait 24-30 hours after the shave to do so. The idea being that shaving generates micro slivers that break off if stropped to soon, they even recommend an additional razor as a buffer. Just wondered if that advise had merit as I noticed on here that a lot of guys strop immediately after.
Anyway, that's my story, I am super excited to get started but am heeding the advise that every expert on wet shaving seems to agree on, "Go Slow", and "Be Patient".

Welcome to SRP! I think that waiting a day to strop sounds a lot like hooey. It would be a hoot to see someone actually prove this one. Well, you seem to have a great gameplan. I think you will do fine. Good luck!

Wellcome to SRP,rinse the blade off after the shave in hot water,dry with a tissue.let set a few mins while hot.
Give it 10 strokes on leather.a bit of mineral oil.store it away till next time,Done.Enjoy

Welcome to SRP!
There are plenty of long discussions in older posts about the post shave strop/don't strop issue. I don't think any definite conclusion has been found. I've tried it both ways and haven't noticed a difference. I settled on stropping the blade after the shave to help dry out any water left in the micro teeth because I know that rust will develop for certain.

You can start practicing stropping with a butter knife on your pants leg to get into rhythm until your strop arrives.

You might want to update your profile to show your location as well, a member local to you might be willing to help you get going.

Welcome phelix, sounds like a good plan ,, watch lots of videos and take it slow ,, a little at a time ,, and do make sure it's shave ready first , maybe get one here on the classifieds , most will be right , and learn the stropping as much as learning to shave then your razor will last a long time , before you need to get a hone, that being said we have a couple of members in Memphis , would be glad o offer some assistance, And in the spring we are trying to get a meet together , so stay tuned ,, but go slow , you'll stick with it if you have small successes instead of going whole hog and get frustrated Let me know if I can help. Tc

Phelix, Welcome to Straight Razor Place.

Welcome to SRP!

That stuff about "resting the razor" and "buffers" is hogwash. People tend to overcomplicate things sometimes. Just strop, shave, dry blade, repeat when needed. That's it.

Good luck!

Welcome. The library has a lot of reference material for you to go over while you are waiting for your supplies.

Hi and welcome. Two razors isn't a bad ides but because uf one is damaged you have a backup. A lot of us strop after the shave to ensure that the edge is dry. Corrosion on the edge will kill it quickly. Good luck and any questions feel free to ask

Guys,

Thank you all so much for the friendly welcome and all the great advice., I feel in good hands here. I now have a good handle on my pre/post shave ritual. A post shave strop to clear moisture will be in order as well as a drop of oil applied via Q-tip, my bathroom gets pretty steamy.
I changed up mid stream and ordered an unused 5/8 Union Cutlery, GA razor. It shipped today so I am pretty excited to hold in my hand for the first time. I just have to say that as a history buff, the idea of using a functional shaving instrument manufactured prior to the birth of my grandparents may be the most alluring aspect of this endeavor.
TC: It is great to know that there are experienced blade men in my area. I will definitely be interested in the spring meet. Please keep me posted.

Thanks again to everyone