I've only been straight razor shaving for a couple of days now.. first shave 3 days ago.. I have an Illinois 361 strop... and I have basically done nothing to it accept rub the palm of my hand over it a lot... and I've practiced quite a bit with and old razor on the linen and leather..trying to get the hang of the technique.. how fast. how hard or soft etc. I have put a few nics on the right side of the strop at both the top and bottom of the strop.. I then started practicing on the canvas side only.. its a lot tougher and it sure won't hurt my old razor...

Today I read on Wiki that it's a good idea to get a practice strop till you have your technique down... Well... that now sounds like a great idea to me.. in the mean time how do you best repair the nicks on the edge .. and .. how much of a problem are they anyway..

If I'd do it all over again... I believe I'd practice stropping for 2 to 3 weeks before I started shaving! Got a shave ready razor and had a great first shave.. but I'm worried my stropping is going to dull it soon.. keeping a sharp razor seems to be primary to a comfortable shave!

I've read everything and watched everything there is... i believe I just need more paractice and more trial and error.. I'd rather error on a practice strop however...

Tnx in advance for any advice you can give a beginner newbie..

Maq