As I'm sure some of you have noticed, I am somewhat lost here.I am sure that I am asking questions that I could find answers to if I kept looking.So instead of answering my questions(much aooreciated BTW),I wouldn't consider it rude if someone could just point me to the correct thread!LOL.

One question is concerning my strop.I have no idea who made it as it doesnt say anywhere on it and I got it off ebay...I am certain it is of superb quality.lol.One side of it looks to be,what I would call,plain tough leather.The other side is extremely smooth leather,almost suede smooth.What should I use each side for?The smooth side I understand is for finishing up,but what about the "rough" side?What do I do with that side,and how do I know when I am done?

My second question is about lingo.I know very little of the correct lingo.Spine,toe and heel I got.Don't know what styptic means...but I know it is magic!I shaved quite a few times before needing it(somehow)but found that it works quite well!I think "styptic" translates to "burns like a sumbitch!" in English.Could be wrong.But what about scales?Is that just another name for the handle?My razor was advertised as having black scales and I was expecting some kind of "grips" engraved into it.I was disappoitned that my Dovo was as plain as could be when it arrived.Oh well.So,scales just means handle,right?