I purchased a new straight razor a few weeks ago and the first thing I did was take it to a shop to have the razor sharpened.

Let me stop there. That might have been my first mistake. It wasnt a local hardware store or anything; it was shop that specializes in sharpening blades of all kinds, from defensive blades to butcher knives to straight razors.

The owner told me many people bring their blades in to him. Perhaps I should not have done this.

When I got home I excitedly tried to shave with my first (real) straight razor.

It was a terrible experience! It was far from sharp and it pulled my hair terribly! I ended up going to my back up, a straight razor with disposable blades.

I want to use my straight razor, but don't know what to do to get it sharp.

I have a strop, with leather and canvas sides and have stropped it but to no avail. I probably just screwed up the blade anyways.

Suggestions?