As a way of background....I have a JA henckels razor that i bought off ebay. I have a badger hair brush with no stand and I've been using a leather strop.

My razor was sharpened prior to when I bought it but I'm worried its not sharp enough. How do I know if its sharp enough?

Wetstone. I don't have a wet stone and the guy I bought off of said I probably wouldn't need to sharpen for about a year if I strop. I've been stropping but I think my razor is dulling. How often do I need to hone and what hone should I buy?

Strop. I have a standard linen and leather strop. Do I need to use any kind of cream or anything to maintain the leather? It seems to be getting scratched up.

Soap. I've been using a shave soap out of a wooden bowl with a lid. Its not very deep though. Should I be getting the soap out of the bowl and then frothing it up in something else or is the wooden bowl designed to be used to make the lather and then take it right on my face.

In general I'm having problems shaving without cutting myself and the razor is dragging a lot which is why I'm worried its not sharp. I've looked through theforums and other web sites but haven't been able to find the answers. I'm hoping someone with experience can shed some light for me.

Thanks!