Well gents I went to New Orleans today and picked up my straight and new hand made strop from my honer. Very nicely restored and made shave ready, strop also seemed to be very well made. My razor, in case ya'll are wondering, is a Hibbard, Spencer Bartlett & Co made in Germany 5/8 Full Hollow with a beautiful "Our Very Best" decorative etching on the blade, black plastic scales. Probably early 1900s. any who to the shave.

Did my pre-shave, made lather, stropped, lathered the face, shaved one side (minus lip and chin) above the jaw-line with no problems !!

I was a little shaky at first cause I was nervous, but I took some breaths made sure my grip was comfortable then went at it. First pass seemed a little rough, adjusted the angle, and bam !!! that was all she wrote. Smooth sailing from there. I was surprised at the minimal amount of effort it took !! The razor was just gliding across my face. It was awesome. I can't wait to shave again.

Thanks for all ya'lls help. Without which my first shave wouldn't have been near this good.