Quote Originally Posted by ccase39 View Post
Hi and welcome. I had all the same questions! First as to your stone, that stone may be fine for touch ups but if your blade is dull you are going to need some additional stones to get the best edge on your razor. The stone you have is not a waste of money (although I'm not familiar with that brand) but you will need to add stones. I would add a 1k a 3k or4k at the least. Later on you can get a 12 or 16k for that little extra but its not required. I would wait a while and work on your shaving technique first before you hone. If you care for your razor and keep it stropped properly you should not need it honed for months, and then I would recommend sending it off to get honed so you will have a point of reference to what sharp is. As far as your strop goes you can use the unfinished side as you would the linen. May I suggest you get a cheaper one to learn on as you may nic up your strop when learning. It would be a shame to nick up a 90 strop right off the bat. Welcome and have fun!
Thanks so much. Feeling much more relieved now on all fronts! Really appreciate the input.

Today is shave four. Wish me luck!