Hello all,

I recently received a shaving kit as a gift. I got a strop, some soap, a DOVO Best Quality razor, a mug, and a brush from Straight Razor Designs (and a funny children's kit, which is my son's new favorite thing). I've only had straight razor shaves at the local barber's, so I bombed around the net for a few days and finally gave it a try. Surprisingly, though I have an extremely course beard, I survived the experience with only a minor nick by the cheek bone and got a decent shave as well. But I do have a couple of newbie questions...

1. So I've got this black soap dish... do I need to transfer the soap into the mug? And if so, how? I thought maybe I could dig it out and heat it up, but before I made a mess I thought I should find a forum and ask.

2. Are there razors that are better suited for thicker beards?

3. Are there shaving soaps better suited for thicker beards?

4. I did get a little razor burn -- Should I get aftershave? Talc? What? Any suggestions are appreciated.

Thanks in advance,
Chris