I have not started to straight razor shave yet. My stuff should be getting here all this week. One of the items coming is an Iwasaki razor. I've read that they come ready to shave. I've read that they don't come ready to shave. And I've read everything in between ( strop with paste, strop with out paste, etc., etc. ). Should I send it out to be honed and stropped professionally before I try to use it? I know my skill will be non existent, and I like to know that's what the problem is and not the razor. And I don't want to ruin it trying to hone it myself. So should I send it out? and if so, to who? I know there are a few here that hone professionally, but does anyone specialize in Japanese razors? Thank you all again.