Hi all,

Just started straight razor shaving and got in a few shaves after lurking around this forum for a long time. However, there are 2 things that concern a noob such as myself.

Some background. I've shaved maybe 4-6 times so far, with a brand new 6/8 Dovo Best Quality set from SRD. I try my best to follow all the tips for beginners, including stropping before each shave. My first concern is that i have never cut myself. Now i know this maybe a good thing, but maybe i am stropping wrong and dulling my blade. I have not even so much drawn any sign of red blood, and i have even tried going against the grain with nothing but water. I am very careful, and stop at any signs of tugging, but i cut myself often with my gillette fusion.

The second concern is that i've developed some light black spots on the top of the blade near and on the spine. I noticed this after about a 5 day break from shaving. They are light and not raised embedded in. I try my best to dry my razor thoroughly and coat it with oil i purchased from SRD. Is this something i should be worried about? And is there any way to remove it?

Thanks!