Thread: new razor, what do I need more in order to hone it

Hello,

I do have the following straight razor:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/31370879@N06/5215562241/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/31370879@N06/5216152032/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/31370879@N06/5216152590/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/31370879@N06/5215563867/

The blade is brand new. Well, I have tried to shave with it and it was a disaster. Then I have discovered this place and learned that I need to hone it.

So I bought this Coticule:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/31370879@N06/5216150440/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/31370879@N06/5215564929/

and this strop:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/31370879@N06/5216154410/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/31370879@N06/5216154880/

The marks on the strop are from me trying to strop the blade when I was not aware of how is this done.

I have also bought the "Straight Razor Shaving" DVD by Lynn and I have watched it partially. Now, some questions come to my mind:

1. It seems that for a new blade Lynn recommends to hone it first on a 400/800 stone (3-4 strokes on each side) and then continue with the Coticule (10 strokes) and then strop it and shave. I don't have a 400/800 stone. Can I use the blue side of the Coticule?

2. Is the size of my Coticule right? Lynn mentioned in the DVD that he is preferring 3x8 in stones. Mine is 200 x 40 mm stone (I think..) (and 1 in = 25.4 mm). Do I have to order a new stone or this one will do?

3. Do I need to order a new strop? Mine does not have a linen side. Only a leather side, the other side is just the back of the usable side. Check the photos?

4. Do I need to order also a 400/800 stone?

5. Is there no way to do the honing with just what I have in this moment?

6. Do I need also some paste with my strop?

Thanks,
Codrut