NEWB

[Espanolete]

Hey all, just wanted to introduce myself. Just joined the forum yesterday after a few days of looking around the place. I'm new to straights. Started about a week ago with a folding stylist's trimmer (the kind with the single edge disposable blade) for some practice. Yesterday I picked up a straight from some local guy off craigslist who was not himself a straight razor afficionado. It's a Col. Ichabod Conk Solingen "Best Quality" Pearlx. Not sure if it's the 5/8 or the 6/8. I've read around here that it's not a terrible blade, which is good, and compared with the list price of $161.50 or $168 on col-conk.com, I guess I made out pretty fair.

I've read well enough not to try and shave with it without a good honing, and I own neither a hone nor a strop (just starting out, like i said). Anyone in or around the providence area that might be able to give me a hand? My other concern is that it would seem, with my limited (read:nonexistent) knowledge, that the blade has been slightly nicked. The blade has a tendency to strike the plastic sides in this spot when closed if you don't take care, as the blade and handle don't seem to line up too well. I'm sure that's where the ding comes from.

Any recommendations? I'd love to start shaving with it as soon as possible...