Hey from Illinois!

Hey all! My names Chuckie! I'm just going into my second semester of grad school for my Masters in Computer Science.

My parents got me a straight razor, strop, and some band aids for my birthday so i'm super exited to try shaving with a straight razor. Being completely new I googled everything I could think of about straight razor shaving and kept ending up on this site so I decided to join!

I guess my first question I couldn't find an answer to is, should the leather side of the strop be perfectly smooth? Ill attach a picture of my new razor and strop so you can see what I mean, but the leather is wrinkled and has some marks on it. They aren't deep but they do have some texture to them.

This is my first razor so but i still dont want to ruin it using a damaged strop. Attachment 136260

Welcome to SRP! Be sure to check out the information in the wiki (click on "library" at the top of any page), especially the info for beginners. First off, you should note what it really means for a razor to be "shave ready" and determine whether your razor currently fits that description. You may need to have it professionally honed if it hasn't been already. Check out the suggestions in the wiki for your first shave as well- might save you some of those band aids (which was a very clever move by your parents, btw).

As for your question regarding imperfections in the strop leather, I'm a little too new to feel confident giving advice on that. The only suggestion I might have is to try rubbing the strop with the palm of your hand to see if the oil in your skin might release some of those wrinkles. I'm sure one of the more experienced guys will tell you whether it is safe to use your razor on it.

Also, it may be helpful to post some brand/model info about your strop and razor.

The box for the razor and the strop have Birmingham and Sons stamped on them. I cant seem to find any markings on the razor itself. Ill have to ask my parents about it. The razor is from StraightRazors.com, not sure if the strop came with it or not.

Welcome to the forum Chuckie! There is some good information in the library, as mentioned earlier. You might want to look at the section about buying a razor, especially the list of brands to avoid.

The razor was a gift. Trying to figure out exactly which one it is. I think the brand is Star Customs but I could be mistaken.

Chuckie, It might help to ask your strop question in the strops or stropping sections of the forum, with pics of your strop from different angles.