I've done 4 straight razor shaves now. I have a beautiful 5/8 Bengall half-hollow and a 5/8 Dovo Special full hollow, stropped on a 3" red Latigo from SRD. I have two Edwin Jagger badger brushes (purchased from Crabtree and Evelyn; sorry, had them so long I don't know the specs on them); I use C&E's Sienna shaving soap, with their Sienna after-shave balm--no alcohol, so no stinging (been wet shaving since sophomore year of college, about 30 years ago).

All I can say is, Wow! I actually look forward to shaving. The first shave with each razor I did without stropping, since they came shave-ready (and since, in the case of the Bengall, I didn't have a strop yet) just so I'd have something to compare a stropped razor to. Those shaves were okay, but just on the verge of uncomfortable on the chin (I have a serious cleft going on) and along the jaw.

Then I used the strop for the other two shaves. I could immediately tell the difference in how the razor felt and worked. Just incredible.

I wish I'd known about SRP years ago. 4 shaves, no nicks or cuts with these razors, stropping coming along well. I'm a solid convert now! Thanks to all who have shared their wisdom and experience here! I look forward to learning more and progessing.