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".