Hello all,

New to straight razor shaving (5 shaves in). Enjoying it so far. Getting a lot of irritation though. I think it's because I am not getting a good lather. I am using a Simpson Beaufort B4 pure badger and a SRD soap. Can't quite seem to get the water ratio right. Using a Dovo 6/8 razor. Any suggestions? I have a omega silver tip brush and TOBS soap on the way.

Also, I have a couple small nicks in my SRD strop. Should I be worried about having damaged my blade?

Thanks and look forward to chatting with all of you about my new favourite way to shave.