^ +1.

Fortunately I orderd the strop myself, with a practice strop, and I am so pleased I did.

I too managed to place about 3 minor nicks in this strop in the first few days. I have now got my stropping technique down (after 2 weeks of str8 shaves) and am tempted to get the Artisan out of storage. That said, I promised I was going to give myself at least a month on the practice strop, and I am going to stick to that promise.

Please take the above advice if you are a newb. You will be so glad you did.