Thread: New Ralf Aust from SRD

Now that I have my new set from SRD, do I need to strop the razor before my first attempt at a SR shave?

I hate to mess up the edge before my first shave!

I'd say give it a try before you strop. The blade probably has some oil on it, so wipe it with a tissue and go for it. Read Lynn's tutorial on the first shave and take it from there.

First straight razor shave - Straight Razor Place Library

Strop 20 round trips on leather after the blade has been rinsed, following the shave, and dried with a tissue. Before the next shave begin on the cloth component and then the leather for whatever amount you feel is appropriate. I like 40 & 40.

Just shave. Be careful if you are going to strop after the shave. Go slow. You will not want to nick that nice strop.

You have good tools, go easy and enjoy them. Stropping is a slow thing to learn and softly softly catchy monkey!
~Richard

Thanks guys, I'll give it a whirl then!

Pray for me! lol

I started with that razor too... you'll do fine!

Definitely shave first. Good luck and strop slow

Good Luck and Welcome.

I got the same razor/strop this week. Just did my 2nd shave last night and it went well. But I do already have some nicks on the ends of my strop, didn't even realize when it happened! However stropping before my 2nd shave went much more smoothly. Have a small water spot on the razor too - going to try switching to a sponge instead of rinsing under running water.

How's it going for you?

Originally Posted by pwc123

I got the same razor/strop this week. Just did my 2nd shave last night and it went well. But I do already have some nicks on the ends of my strop, didn't even realize when it happened!...snip...
How's it going for you?

It is hard to remember to come to a full stop at the end of a stroke on the strop but it is very important.
Strop more slowly and maybe do a count until your muscle memory is trained properly to prevent the problem in the future.
http://straightrazorpalace.com/begin...g-strokes.html
Have Fun!
~Richard
PS. Learn to strop with the blade edge up while flipping it / flip the blade while the spine is on the strop.. Otherwise it will bite you later or when you learn to hone. Happens to a lot of guys! And ruined strops or edges are common.