Tips for first Japanese Straight Razor (newbie needs a lot of help)
Hey Guys,
I've been a long time reader, started wetshaving a couple of months ago with a DE and felt like it was time to move onto a straight razor. Felt like a Japanese straight razor was a good mix of form, function, and design.
While I didn't exactly expect to win it I put in a bid for a Kiyotaka Ichihara Straight Razor and won. (If any of you want to give me feedback on this razor please do!)
But at this point, I don't know what to do once I get it. I've read the B&B Interactive Guide to Straight Razor Shaving and I'm not quite sure how the tools or techniques apply to a Japanese straight razor.
I've read on many threads some controversy on whether to hone and/or strop with a ratio from one side to the other. Whether to strop at all. How to hone. What I need to hone.
So if anyone can give me some pointers on what I'm going to need to start using this razor once I get it. I have everything I need from the shaving cream/brush/lather make accessories. I really just need to know what I need to get it honed/stropped and prepared to shave. Any tips on techniques would be appreciated too!
Thanks