I'm with Lynn on this as well. Yes, stropping is a good idea but his razors (and mine) are ready to go when they arrive. 9 times out of 10 it is technique and angle that gives a poor shave for newbies when they start.

I know everyone is expecting the whiskes to simply slide off the face when the take up a straight razor but it is technique as much as the sharpness that makes this happen.

Tony