Greetings,

I have been traditional wetshaving for about two months now with DE razors (rather successfully) and have been following this site since my beginnings as well. But now I have found that...I can't resist the allure of the straight razor any longer. I have done alot of research on this site and have come to a basic starter set to begin my journey. I was hoping some of the members could look over my decisions, give some critiques, and answer some questions, please. I decided on the following items from SRD:
  • Dovo Imitation Tortoise Shell 6/8" Straight Razor & Strop Set - mine will include the Straight Razor Designs 3" Red Latigo Strop and Webbed Fabric (2 sides correct? leather and fabric?)
  • Camellia Oil, Pure Japanese - Blade Protection
  • Sheps 100% Pure Neatsfoot Oil Strop Conditioner - 8oz
  • Chromium Oxide Paste .5 micron
I know that I will need honing stones eventually, but I will have to wait about a month to purchase that. I figured I would go with the Norton 4K/8K.

Most of my concern is on the strop and the use of a paste. I have read somewhere that (in general) you should strop daily before and after the shave on the leather side, then strop once a week with a pasted webbed side. Is this correct? Did I choose the right paste for this?

Also, do I need the strop conditioner? How often do I use it? Do I apply some before the first strop? I am assuming I do and that it is used on the leather side.

A little about myself...I am a middle school science teacher (Physical Science) and live in Pinellas County, Florida. I decided to take up traditional wetshaving as a way to improve myself (release the inner gentleman) and slow life down a bit! I also enjoy traditional archery and various historical/science/mythological studies amongst other distractions.

I want to thank SRP and everyone for all of the good advice I have gotten up til now. This is a great site with a very knowledgable community!

Thanks for your time, effort and insight,
Sean