Thread: preparing for 1st SE shave

I have a nice new(to me) SE from Joe Chandler, I ordered a strop that should be here in a day or two, should I wait for the strop, or can I dive right in and start shaving?

Opinions will vary. You could jump right in and probably won't hurt anything. However, there are some folks who feel that you should strop a razor immediately before shaving -- not the night before or all on the weekend. I've done all three and couldn't notice any difference. There are some folks who strop before and after the shave as well.

Since you're new to the game I would shave without stropping, as more than one newbie has spoiled a sharp edge by improper stropping. Make sure you check out the archives for more info, or ClassicShaving.com under the "How To & Why" section for great info on stropping technique. Light pressure, go slow and be careful on the turn-arounds.

My first razor came from Lynn and I
didn't strop it before my first shave.
But my strop from Tony hadn't
arrived yet.

I normally strop the night before I shave
and the razors always do just fine the next
morning. After the shave I simply wipe my
blade off and do not strop.

As Kyle indicated opinions vary on this and
my advise is not to be taken as gospel.

The one thing that we will all agree on though
is when stroping - go slow - speed does not
mean a thing.

This is why I strop at night. I have more time
to do it right.

I'm sure that you will do fine.


Terry

Wait for the strop. Nothing about straight-razor shaving experience should be rushed. The point is to enjoy it slowly. I strop just before my shave and just after. It gives me great results but I wouldn't go as far as saying it's the only true way. I prefer not to mess with something that works just fine.

Wait for the strop. If you can't wait for the strop, use an old belt (smooth finish). That one was checked and stropped before it left, so you should be alright, but I find it's always best to strop before shaving.

Normally, when a razor has been honed and stropped, it is ready for the first shave and you would need to strop from that point before each shave going forward. Have fun.

Lynn

I'm a straight shaving beginner but perhaps my experience might help.

I shaved twice with my razor (from Lynn) before my strop arrived. Apart from the joy of not ending up in the emergency ward the shaves were quite uncomfortable - probably due to lousy (shaving)technique.

My third shave (after stropping with my new strop) was truly horrific - probably due to my lousy (stropping) technique.

I got advice from the members here and since then I've been digging myself out of the hole. Each shave gets a little better (control of the razor, angle of the blade, pressure, confidence without recklessness, sharpness).

So I would say: 1)most likely whatever you do you will make mistakes along the way 2) however your shaves will get better 3) the people here are helpful and supportive and the veterans are very willing to share their knowledge. Most importantly: Don't get discouraged; keep at it!

Regards,
Bob