After considering getting my vintage razor honed and using it, I finally decided to pick up a Wapienica instead from Fendrihan.com and am looking forward to getting into straight razor shaving. I was wondering if I could get some thoughts from you guys though before I get going.

I have read the wiki on shaving including just working on one cheek and then the other, quit when you should and so on but I'm hoping some of you guys have some tips for the Wapi itself. Mine has wood (pink ebony) scales so I won't have the off-balance of the metal ones but I'm wondering about stropping it. Do you strop when it comes from Dan (Floppyshoes) for the first shave or should I just leave it be? For anyone who has a Wapi, how many strokes do you use? Is it hard or soft metal? The strop I bought has 'fabric webbing' (whatever that means) and leather - how many strokes of each? When do you hone? Does anyone have any experience with this stone: Chinese Natural Sharpening Water Stone, 12000 Grit Even though it's out of stock right now it's pretty cheap.

And any other feedback anyone has will be appreciated. I'm pretty pumped about this. I've been DE'ing it for about 5 months now and shaving is much more enjoyable. Thank all of you for everything you post because it has been very helpful.