Okay, I'm extremely new to straight razor shaving and just received a brand new razor for my B-day..... the DOVO 5/8 "Bergischer Lowe".....

Well, I finally got the nerve to shavewith it so I started doing some research (I wish I would have seen this site befor I made my purchase!) and bought a hanging strop; the Illinois Russian Leather strop #827 and the Lynn Abrams Video from ClassicShaving.com.....

Yesterday, I received my strop and I don'y know if I have to condition this or not... most people are saying that I don't need too, but straight out of the plastic, this strop is really rough! Literally, I have felt partical board that was smoother than this..... the best way I can describe this is by taking my hand against the leather towards the swivel, it feels somewhat smooth but as I travel from the swivel to the handle it feels like "soft sandpaper" or a ...... is this the way it's supposed to be or do I need to condition it?

I'm afraid to take my razor to it..... or do I need to?

I watched the entire video and he doesn't seem to address a situation like this..... doe any one have any suggestions.....

Any advice would be great!

Thanks a lot!
--STOGIE--
.....o~`o