Thread: Preparing for first shave!

Hi, I have been wanting to try straight razor shaving for some time and have decided to take the plunge!

I've purchased the following kit which seems reasonable for starting up (?).

• Dovo Best Quality SR
• Trumpers Sandalwood Shaving Cream
• Edwin Jagger Best Badger Brush and Shaving Bowl
• A styptic pencil!!

I have also purchased a Dovo Hanging Strop and an Invisible Edge 3" wide hanging strop, but I am waiting for them to arrive before I try my first shave.

I have a couple of questions which I hope members can advise on:

1). My Dovo BQ is shave ready but has arrived wrapped in an oil based paper so I am assuming I will need to clean the oil from the blade before I start? If so, what is best method for cleaning pre shave?

2) Do I need to strop my razor first before using for the first time? My Dovo strop has leather / linen combination.

Thanks in advance for advice and any first shave tips greatly appreciated!

best regards
Paul

I would just wipe away excess oil with a cloth, being carful not to damage the edge. No stropping first time so you can assess a baseline before you screw it up stropping. Strop after you've damaged the edge shaving by either stropping after the first shave or before the next shave.