Thread: The basics

I'm another newby to the straight razor and am really starting to enjoy it. Finally some hair is coming off, and I'm feeling more confident with my razor. Because I'm basically figuring everything out through googleU, I have a couple of questions I'm hoping to get some help with.

1. I have a Dovo paddle strop with a leather side and another side which is green, feels like rubber but not sure (green). How many times should I be "stropping" my blade on each side before shaving?
2. I bought my blade a couple of years ago but only recently decided to put the time into properly learning the art, so there is some rust along the sides of the blade. Any suggestions on how to remove?
3. Aside from stropping before each shave, is there anything else I should know/should be doing to keep my razor sharp/"shave-ready?" I keep reading about honing and stones but not sure I need to be doing these things.

Thank you for the help!

Thanks - very helpful response. How many times a week is "normal" to use your straight blade? Also, is 1 razor enough or should I be changing them up daily / weekly / etc?

Originally Posted by mjhammer

Man, you can find a ton of information reading the Wiki's. Find them from the home page and you can learn all you can absorb.

Except newbie basic maintenance / routine. It's my impression that the wiki is too concerned with being exact, neutral & "all are equally good solution and depend of taste", to actually be useful to a newbie.

I'd really like an "it's not the best way or only way, but it's relatively affordable, effective, detailed, and a good starting point" kind of article

Originally Posted by Straightrazzin

Thanks - very helpful response. How many times a week is "normal" to use your straight blade? Also, is 1 razor enough or should I be changing them up daily / weekly / etc?

Well boss, again that is subjective to the user. I personally don't think one razor is enough. You might hurt it by accident, and you will need a temp razor to cover you while yours is being sharpened or fixed.

I have over 20 myself, never a fear of running out. I also rotate my around every day, but there is no reason you cannot use your single razor every day. It cannot harm it, or you. However, I have found that after getting a reasonable mastery of your face, you will probably find you only need to shave one every 2 days. I shave more than that because I love to shave now. LOL.

Good luck and Happy Shaving!!!

Mike