Decent shave, no strop?

Hey All,

I have a couple of old razors and Norton 200/1 and 4/8k stones as well as a translucent Arkansas. I have slowly been accumulating the materials I need to shave, but still have no strop.

I just ordered a strop from Tony Miller (an heirloom #2) today, so it hasn't arrived.

To keep busy I honed a razor up tonight after I ordered the strop. After I finished it, I couldn't resist and decided to shave with it... I was expecting a fairly brutal experience since I didn't strop it, but it actually wasn't that bad (this was about my 3rd straight razor shave ever)!

So the question is: Once I have a decent stop will the shaves be noticeably better? If so, I am already a huge proponent of the straight razor experience!

I'm glad I found the forum, too. I've already gotten some very good advice from folks on honing that must have paid off! I still fail the hanging hair test, though...so there is more work to be done on technique.

I'm pretty stoked about the shave, and also a little bummed because it takes me about a week to grow any shave-able facial hair!

Cheers,

Jed

Having been in your same exact situation, I can say that you will almost certainly have a better shave. I'm sure you've read all about what stropping does, so I don't have to explain it. Just know that your wait won't be wasted:tu

EDIT: I actually found that my beard grew faster and thicker after shaving with a straight. It's kind of paradoxical, but it still stays smoother longer than a cartridge. Go figure...

My beard doesn't grow fast enough... way to many soaps to use before next year... and I NEED more :p

Quote:

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Originally Posted by DwarvenChef

My beard doesn't grow fast enough... way to many soaps to use before next year... and I NEED more :p

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I can't possibly agree more with you.... At least I've found the culprit to blame - she goes by soapm.....


Back on topic - aren't you tempted by a nice leather belt, besides it's known fact that nicks add character to a belt? I know I was. Badly.

EDIT: I actually found that my beard grew faster and thicker after shaving with a straight. It's kind of paradoxical, but it still stays smoother longer than a cartridge. Go figure...[/QUOTE]


>>>It's probably because your serum testosterone levels increased when you began shaving the way men should shave! :0)