Hello folks,

Peter here from Washington DC. A while ago I inherited three straight razors from my grandfather's estate (I have sent them off to be restored), a brush and a strop. While the razors are being refurbished I am trying to learn as much as I can about straight razor shaving.

I have been researching all manner of straight razor shaving and think I have a handle on how to shave (now I just need to practice) but what seems more complicated, and not so easy to figure out, is maintenance of the razors. For example, the strop I inherited is old and I don't know how to tell if it is still usable and I'm not sure how to figure out what the various stones I have received are for. I believe one of them is a barber's finishing hone but the rest are various sizes and I just can't figure out what they do.

Anyway, I am very much looking forward getting my grandfather's razors back in usable condition, both for sentimental reasons and because i very much like the idea and the process of shaving with a straight razor.

I look forward to learning from all of you and am happy to be on this forum.

Best,
Peter