Hey guys,
I'm about 3 weeks into my transformation to a straight razor. It's been a roller coaster of a learning experience. There are days I have a remarkable smooth and clean shave and then there are days like today where it's a struggle. I look forward to the process everyday (regardless of the outcome). It's caused me to change my priorities and slow my morning down. I take a little more me-time in the morning to start the day off right instead of being shot out of a cannon everyday.

So I do have some questions to the general forum if anyone can offer some advice.
I bought my entire set up from SRD: Dovo 5/8 razor, 3" wide black leather strop, apothecary mug, synthetic brush and HTGAM- Cavendish and Muhle- Sandalwood soaps. Seems to be a good start. But I'm struggling with a couple of things.

1. My strop seems to be developing small rough spots. Am I doing something wrong? Should I be treating it with something? It's only been 3 weeks...
2. Could my razor need a "refreshing" or honing after 3 weeks? My 1st pass (WTG) is smooth but there is a ton of growth left after the shave. I tend to butcher my face during the 2nd pass (XTG or ATG). Could it just be my inexperience? Could I be stropping too hard?
3. I read on-line to pick up a candle warmer to keep the lather warm. It seems to dry out the soap after my 1st pass. Any recommendations on how to keep a hot lather?
4. I'm struggling with a pre shave solution. I started with The Art of Shavings pre shave oil (lavender) and not very impressed. I ordered HTGAM's (my favorite soap company so far) pre shave soap and look forward to trying it but am not positive I'm on the right coarse. Any good suggestions for a semi sensitive skin & medium to heavy weight bearded man?
5. Aftershave/ balm? Have a Proraso sample I've been using but find I'm a little to greasy after it. I also ordered HTGAM's Cavendish aftershave tonic so I look forward to that. Nivea was my go to before I found the world of better shaving productS. Any other suggestions would be appreciated.
6. I am trying to get to Merv's Apothecary shop in Chicago so I can try the various soap scents. I'm searching for soap samples to find a good lather with a scent that I love but without a brick and mortar store this has been a real challenge. I just ordered some samples from Barrister & Mann but this will become real expensive to "shop around". Also very few soap shops offer samples. Is there an easier way to narrow my search?
7. Bowl lathering- should I lather completely on top of the soap puck or transfer it to the bowl?

Well I think that's enough for one night. I truly excited to be a part of this community. I taught myself to shave the cheapest and easiest way possible. It's nice to have a group of people to ask questions and get guidance through what could be a complex & hazardous hobby.

Thanks in advance,
JDM