Hi everyone

I've been reading the forums for a while and watched Lynn's DVD. I bought an unseen razor, poor man's strop and barber's hone from Whipped Dog. Very quick delivery to me in the UK, less than a week.

Been using a safety razor for a year or so and have been trying to make sure I've really hydrated my face prior to shaving over the last few weeks, ready for trying a straight.

Had a go at shaving my cheeks this evening. It felt a lot less natural than I expected, although maybe I was expecting too much.

Tried shaving my arm a little beforehand and shaved a few hairs off pretty easily.

After finishing my shave with my safety razor I stropped 20 or so laps and then tried shaving my arm again. It was jumpier that time. When stropping I tried to make sure the strop wasn't flexing too much. I see people saying it's "trial and error" when learning to strop but the problem I have is I don't get feedback until the next time I shave and by then it could be another issue causing the problem.

My razor's a 'Gladiator'. Seems in reasonable condition from what I can see.

If the razor's a bit jumpy on my arm does that mean trouble?

Thanks.