Okay so I have only been shaving about 6 weeks with my Straight Razor. I had noticed in the past week my shaves were getting worse instead of better. So feeling a bit discouraged I went back to the start today. Phil from Classic Edge (goodtan on ebay) had provided me some products that it was time to break out.

First was a CrO2 "Bench Strop". This is a little different that any other CrO2 that i have seen advertised and most deffinatly different than my Balsa version. I grabbed a King Cutter I had honed myself and it was mediocre at best when i test shaved with it. So 30 trips on the Classic Edge CrO2 strop.

Then I had a new Strop from Classic Edge. and i had not used it. So I then did 45 Laps on the hard felt. This was also a first for me. Never had linen or felt previously.

i finished off with 75 on the Leather side.

Then off to shower and shave. My preshave prep did not change a ton, except this time I did a little facial massage after I lathered. Really worked the soap in, then re lathered.

Well this was the best shave I have had EVER! When I say ever I am even talking my best Barber Shop shaves included. The razor was just so smooth. I could not beleive the difference in the shave.

I have cheaped out making strops, buying cheap strops and taking short cuts. But in the end it cost me more as I ended up buying a decent product in the end and the difference is night and day.

I also can not say enough good things about Classic Edge (goodtan). Of all the Canadian retailers I have dealt with and spoke to he has been the most helpfull and giving of his time. I had contacted a couple of the other Canadian vendors and they were less than accomodating. Trying to buy from them I was made to feel they were doing me a favour and I was to accomodate them. Phil bent over backwards to make sure I was taken care of and I honestly feel he would have done anything to make sure I was happy. If your in Canada give him a try. You will not regret it.

Sorry if this feels like an advertisment but I went from considering using my old cartridge yesterday back to I wish I could shave again now.