Thread: Anxious Newbie

One thing I would recommend is that you pick up a CHEAP strop to learn on, something like the 20 dollar poor mans strop from whipped dog. that way when you make mistakes you are cutting up a cheap strop and not the nice one you ordered.... Just a thought

I agree; when Lynn says a razor shave ready, don't second guess him, it is shave ready.

Originally Posted by weirdbob

I'm pretty sure Lynn actually strops the razor prior to shipping it back.

That's a great idea!

Originally Posted by mcgyver74

One thing I would recommend is that you pick up a CHEAP strop to learn on, something like the 20 dollar poor mans strop from whipped dog. that way when you make mistakes you are cutting up a cheap strop and not the nice one you ordered.... Just a thought

That was one of the biggest reasons I chose SRD for my first razor purchase. From reading numerous posts I expected Lynn would have the razor ready to go. I thought I would look at the blade very closely and shave prior to stropping so I would know what a properly sharpened razor should look and feel like. I am actually going to see if I can get a couple shaves prior to stropping the first time since I probably will only be shaving a small part of my face to start. I know I am pushing my luck with that expectation but it wouldn't hurt to try. At least I will know the difference between shave ready and not.

I never used a butter knife...

I have one nick in my strop from day one. Just start slow. Remember.... Slow is smooth, and smooth is fast. In order to get faster you need the muscle memory of the motion. Start with slow smooth motion, it will just take a bit longer that's all. Keep the spine on the leather at all times, lift the edge as you approach the end of stroke and don't lower the edge onto the leather until you are moving in the other direction. Also you don't need to use the entire length of a long strop, keep the blade away from buckles and rivets...

Enjoy!!!

Great advice!

Originally Posted by jeffegg2

I Remember.... Slow is smooth, and smooth is fast.

There's a shooter or a former Marine.....

Have you checked out the shave Wiki?
If not, here is the link: First straight razor shave - Straight Razor Place Wiki

Originally Posted by Link8382

That was one of the biggest reasons I chose SRD for my first razor purchase. From reading numerous posts I expected Lynn would have the razor ready to go. I thought I would look at the blade very closely and shave prior to stropping so I would know what a properly sharpened razor should look and feel like. I am actually going to see if I can get a couple shaves prior to stropping the first time since I probably will only be shaving a small part of my face to start. I know I am pushing my luck with that expectation but it wouldn't hurt to try. At least I will know the difference between shave ready and not.

Yes I have. Thanks for the info though.

Great!
Just remember, all this takes time and practice. At this early stage, don't get hung up on achieving that BBS; trust me, it will happen before you know it. Focus on your pre-shave prep, shaving technique (take it slow and easy), and take care of your face and your equipment after the shave.

Here's a great tip I use myself, when you are SR shaving, strive make the next stroke of the razor better than the previous one.

Originally Posted by Link8382

Yes I have. Thanks for the info though.