So, I have just finished my first shave with a correctly honed razor, and, I must say, the difference is PHENOMENAL. I have gotten my cheeks BBS, my sideburns almost there, and all of my neck -excepting one small patch- too. I have a supple, forgiving face, and used to shave with a knife while camping -it was easy, and amazed other people (I'm a good hand at knife sharpening)- so I have a sturdy face, and good hand-blade coordination, so I shave WTG then ATG. Now, my questions are:

1. I hadn't shaved for the last 2 weeks or so -waiting for my straight to get in- So I had quite a bit of growth -being only 18, however, it wasn't more than a quarter to a third inch, and not too dense. It all came off well, however I'm wondering if having a lot of growth makes the shave easier because it is longer and easily made softer, or if length isn't that important.

2. I have a TM 3'' artisan strop, and the 2.5 inch Starter strop. I use the starter strop, naturally, since I am new. I have, however, experimented on the Artisan once or twice. I noticed that the sound of the strop sounds better on the Artisan than the Starter (and I've had a Straight-shaving friend teach me proper stropping, so I recognize the sound) is the better sound from the Artisan due to material quality difference? or am I doing something wrong? (The artisan has handles, the starter does not, so it may be angle of grip)

3. I currently use Colonel Conk bay rum Glycerine shave soap, and get good results, however, since I shave my whole face, and am new, so I take my time, it dries out a little on occasion -By the time I reach the moustache area, it is thin and a little foamy- is that natural, I just need to relather, or are there different soaps that will prevent this -price isn't really a problem considering how long it lasts-

4. I intended to shave post-shower, but was running late this morning. Instead, I got back from class and just kept my face covered in hot, wet water before I shaved, and did the standard prep with my lather (Brush soaks in hot water, warm lather, etc). Does shaving right out of the shower help that much, or is it mostly negligible? I do usually rub conditioner into my facial hair to make it softer pre-shave, but, as I said, didn't shower before this shave. What's the verdict on this one?

5. Lastly, as I said, I have a 3'' TM artisan strop, Cotton and Latigo, and the Latigo Starter strop. My standard stropping is 40 complete passes on the Starter strop. Should I incorporate the cotton into this, or just keep it safe until I'm ready to use that strop as my main?

Thanks for all the time and help you guys have already given, and will hopefully provide in the years to come.

Cheers,
Jeremy