New with Questions from Merrick, NY
Hello.
First off, thanks for all the valuable information posted by the members on this site and in the Wiki section.
Equipment:
Consistent with my impulsive personality, I bought big for my first foray into straight razor shaving. Razor: Thiers-Issard "Le Grelot", 6/8" in Black Horn - from Vintage Blades, LLC. - professionally honed by Lynn Abrams
Along with the razor, I bought the Vintage Blades black latigo leather strop and Castle Forbes pre-shave, cream and after shave balm. Also, a Rooney badger brush and mug.
First Shave:
First straight razor shave this morning...kind of feels like I got smacked in the face with a strop but its been a few hours and now feel pretty good. Could not accomplish a very close shave due to obviously inexperienced hands. This method of shaving is obviously an art which requires patience and experience.
Few Questions:
1.) How long does a razor (such as mine described above) last before needing to be honed again? Consider my beard average to course and daily use.
2.) Where and how do you hang your leather strop? I understand that the bathroom is not the most suitable place for storage due to moisture. So I am thinking of storing it on the back of the linen closet door and installing an eye hook on the bathroom vanity base.
3.) Is it a bad idea to still use the mach3 turbo for above the upper lip and parts of my throat? I did my whole face with the straight razor this morning but needed to touch up problem spots with the mach3.
4.) Is it necessary to strop before and after each shave?
5.) With shaving soap (col conk amber) that came with my mug, do you drop the whole puck into the mug when preparing the lather? If so, what do you do with the puck after the lather is ready? Let it air dry?
Ok, I think that is enough newbie questions for now. Thanks all.