My name is Wolfger, and I'm a SR addict

Hi, everybody. Used to hate shaving. Decided for reasons unknown that I had to have a straight razor for Christmas. Now I love shaving. And even if I have to forgo the straight, I will be using badger and soap until the day I die.

Got a couple questions which hopefully somebody can answer so I don't have to, like, actually go find out for myself :)

Do you have to strop *before* you shave, or could you strop after (for the next time). Could you strop a week's supply of straights at once, or would the effects of time (and humidity) make that 7th shave a rough one?

Are nicks in the leather strop harmful to future stroppings? Is there a way to repair a nicked strop?

Lastly, for anybody who's interested, my blog post from earlier today on being a new SR shaver: Give it to me straight! « Nothing to see here. Move along.

First of all, welcome!

I think alot of people here used to hate shaving, but now they enjoy it having found SRP and The Way. Hehe!

To answer your questions, always strop before each shave. The edge of a razor tarnishes slightly between uses and the stropping removes this tarnish and gives you the best possible edge.

Its a good idea to strop after as well, as this cleans all the micro gunk off the edge. I do 25 material and 50 - 60 leather before hand, then 20 canvas with chalk paste, 10 material and 10 - 15 leather afterwards.

The chalk paste has really helped me keep my edges and the stropping is paramount to ensure the best possible edge and comfort when shaving.

I have two strops, one daily one with material and leather, and another with the chalk paste on it. I use the chalk paste after each shave just to keep my edges in the best shape.

You wouldnt be able to strop a weeks worth of razors in advance. You need to strop before each shave, and ideally after as well, to protect the edge and keep it in good shape. As an absolute minimum, you should do 20 material and 40 leather BEFORE each shave.

I experimented with different amounts of stropping and doing less than that seemed to not keep my edges so well.

Nicks in the strop are not a major problem. Any large flaps of leather can be glued down again with rubber cement and then lightly sanded with fine grit paper or pumice to finish. Small slices and nicks can be ignored or sanded down with high grit paper or pumice. As long as the leather is not interfering with your stropping, its no major problem.

Also, check out the SRP Wiki.

Straight Razor Place Wiki

There is a wealth of information in there that will be invaluable as you get more into straight razor shaving!

Welcome again and good luck!

Welcome to the club Wolfger! There are quite a few fellow addicts here to help support you. It sound like you are on the right path and are doing well. Keep up the good work it only get's better :)

Hi Wolfger! Welcome to Straightrazorplace!

Just strop before you shave.
Nicked strops are no drama, unless there stands something out. Just remove that. Its better to practice on something not so precious, cause nicks happen all the time when you start.

Welcome to SRP, Wolfger! Enjoy your newfound shaving experience. Nice blog, too!

Welcome to SRP Wolfger. As you use a straight more and more you will become proficient and never go back. Good advice on nicked strops above. Some people practiced with a butter knife in an effort to prevent nicks in the strop but most of us here had put one or tow nicks in our strops.

Good luck. I look forward to your future posts.