Another Beginner stropping question

Hi All, For Christmas I asked for a straight Razor set up and I have a couple questions

1.
My first question is regarding finding my 'baseline' for how sharp my razor is supposed to be. I assume the razor does not need to be honed but am not really sure if that is a correct assumption.

I have had one shave that went pretty well but I am assuming the razor could be much sharper as I have not been able to cut the 'hanging hair' test.
Since this is my first razor I have no real frame of reference other than common sense. Is the hanging hair test what I should be using to reference the blade sharpness?

I live in San Francisco and work in Palo Alto if anyone knows of a good old school barber in the area I could always have a pro look at it.

2.
My Second Question is regarding the use of the kit that I got for Christmas.
I was given a Thiers Issard 7 Piece Set from classicshaving.com
Straight Razor Sets
Included is a "Luxury Two Sided Paddle Strop " and a "Tube of the Thiers Issard Stropping Paste"
One side of the strop has a normal leather surface and the other side has a suede like leather surface. I have stropped very lightly with both sides of the strop and I put a VERY small amount of the paste on the Suede side of the strop. Is this the correct side to put that on, and if so how much paste should I use?

Assuming I am doing this correctly and I am stropping very gently, how much stropping should I expect to do before I have the sharpest edge I can achieve?
The paddle strop seems small to me.

I appreciate any input, Thanks in advance



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hl,

That is also the side of the strop I would use for the paste if the paddle strop is to be used both for touching up the edge via an abrasive paste and also for daily stropping. Were I to devote the paddle strop to just touch up use, I'd use the smooth side for the paste and then use a hanging strop for daily use before shaving.

Moderate application of the paste is considered to be the best as you can always add more if you find the action of the abrasive too slow. My traveling hanging strop has the TI paste on the flesh side and nothing on the grain side.

TI paste goes on not unlike well chewed bubble gum. Don't use a lot of pressure, just rub it briskly forth and back. You can work the paste around a bit with the heel of your thumb and use pressure now.

I actually like the way that stuff works. You should be able to see the leather media turning black after a couple of uses - this is the steel that's no longer on your razor.

good luck, good shaving,

:beer2:

First it depends which paste you have. TI makes a few of differing grits.

I wouldn't worry about any tests. Shaving is the important thing. If you got a great shave and there is not pulling or discomfort your razor is sharp enough.

You want the ultimate in sharpness? That will lead you down a very long road and an expensive one too.