So today I received my order from straight razor designs. In it contained a Dovo 6/8 straight razor, a 3 inch black strop, brush, stand, mug, SRD Vanilla Bourbon soap, and a Merkur DE open comb razor. I wanted to give DE a shot as well as straight razor because it seems the learning curve is shorter, and it seems it will be quicker on days I dont have extra time. I ordered some aftershave lotion as well but some how got forgotten when the order shipped. A quick call to Don at SRD fixed the issue and I assume it will be in the mail shortly. No worries though, mistakes happen.

I started on the right side of my face with my side burns. I probably shouldnt have been on a 5 day beard for my first try but ive been a bum lately. I stropped the blade as best I've learned from youtube and on here, keeping the blade and spine in contact with the strop at all times and rotating on the spine. I went extra slow. I noticed the razor tugging slightly and i blame that on the fact that i have a thick beard and it has been 5 days since shaving. I continued on with the right side of my face shaving until i felt uncomfortable with a certain are. I struggled with my jaw line and chin. I also did my left side burn and left cheek. I re-lathered and grabbed the Merkur DE and pretty much shaved as i normally did. I also found some tugging with the DE but again blame it on the thick beard. I had to use the styptic pencil on my neck just below my chin but this was not surprising.

My questions are as follows:

1. I lathered in the tub the soap comes in as this seems easier for now. Can i just throw the lid back on when im done?

2. Do i strop razor before and after shaving? or just before?

3. Do i need to let razor sit out to dry? or just wipe off with towel and fold back up?

4. Currently i sit my mug on the sink with the DE resting on the side (making sure the blade touches nothing) and the Dovo folded in its case in the mug. Is there anyting wrong with this? I dont want to ruin this new investment!!

Thanks guys!!!