I just recieved my first straight razor. I am really excited to get started. I just have a few questions.

1)Do I just rinse the oil of or should I use soap to get it off?
2) I have read that you should strop first before using. If so should I strop on the fabric, leather, or both? How many strokes per side?
3) How do most of you mount your strops? Low or high? What mounting hardware?
4) I am going to start on my dominant sideburn area. SRP beginners guide suggest doing this and finishing with normal razor. If things go well, have you guys just continued with the straight razor or am I just looking for trouble?
4) As far as your lather, does thick or thin lather work better? Soap or cream? I usually create a nice thick meringue looking lather when I shave with DE?


I am afraid that my inexperience in stropping will cause me to dull the razor before I could even use it.