just joined the forum

[drew78617]

hello everyone my name is drew I just got my first straight razor about 3 weeks ago and wow I never knew there was so much involved but things are good a few nicks on the face but other then that all good. I have a few questions I saw a video on youtube where a guy said u should strop ur razor about every 5 to 10 shaves while others have said before every shave which is best? I bought a kit so im pretty sure I didn't get the top of the line, my razor is a blades grim 6/8 blade which seems to be fine for the moment also id like to get a nice long term strop any suggestions? the one I have now is a 2" strop I did buy a shave scuttle from Georgetown pottery and also any suggestions on brushes? also locally i have found a place that carries a few items from art of shaveing so i bought some shave cream pre-shave oil and after shave balm all in sandalwood i normally use a soap but tonight i tried the cream i noticed i don't get that thick of a lather with either proabably operator error but i did notice that the cream seemed to stay warmer throughtout my shave any other tips or suggestions would be appreciated thanks.

[Briwill99]

My understanding is strop before and after each shave.

[Briwill99]

Also everyone would like to see pics of your gear.

[sharptonn]

Welcome, Tex. Grim blades are, well, not the best I think. Still, You should strop before every shave! Hit that search box up on the right with stropping or anything you want to know about. Lots of threads and info at your fingertips. Get an idea of things that way and ask. Where are you in this big state?

[onimaru55]

Welcome to the 'Place'

If you strop lightly after every shave you will ensure the edge is dry .
If you strop lightly before every shave you will ensure the edge is shave ready assuming it doesn't need honing.

Plenty of nice strops available. Can even buy custom if you want. Depends on $'s you want to spend.

As for tips :
http://straightrazorpalace.com/shavi...ng-basics.html

[MattCB]

Welcome aboard! Give the wiki a good read through (LOTS of good info there). If you have any questions after that, please let us know. Tons of good, knowledgeable folk here.

Straight Razor Place Library - Straight Razor Place Library

[rhensley]

You mentioned watching videos. that's a good start. the ones I watched last year was mostly by Lynn Abrams but there are several more people with good videos. very informative. good luck.

[eddy79]

Hi and welcome. There is a section on the site that has vids on lots of subjects. Can't remember exactly where but if you do a search your bound to come up with something to help you along. Good luck

[JTmke]

Welcome,

For me, strop before and after shaving
Thater brushes are nice. I started with a VDH kit which had a pure badger brush in it. Then I bought a Parker which I still use and enjoy. My go to brush is a Thater. Cheap or expensive they are nice
For lather building, practice. You can make lather then dump it and make it again. Or you can just try to get better everyday

[ncraigtrn]

Welcome aboard brother!!

3 things.

1 strop before every shave it ensures that your edge is aligned and ready fr action

2 if your kit came with a strop I'd say use that one until your absolutely without a doubt passed cutting and nicking your current strop

3 has your razor been honed or are you shaving using the factory edge?

May wish to consider picking up a second shave ready razor. Allows you to have a backup if you ever need to send one out for honing or repair.