Hey all. I'm new to the straight shaving scene. I purchased a maxam razor ( i know I know, not the thing to get) But I didn't want to break the bank and destroy a good razor. It came (shave ready) and I stropped it according the videos found on this sight. My first shave felt great. Only one little nick under my nose was all the damage I collected. The second shave, which was several minutes ago was also wonderful, felt very smooth and comfortable. The razor doesn't seem to be as sharp as the first time though. Perhaps its my imagination, but while doing the "hair Test" the blade didn't cut the hair. But when I shave it seems to do well. After cutting against the grain on my cheeks I still feel a little resistance on my fingers when I rub them up my face. is this supposed to be normal? also, is stropping 30 to 50 times ok before and after my shave? how often should I use the linen strop and what exactly does it do? Oh, I strop with an illinois 206 with #354 fromm's strop paste. is this ok?