Quote Originally Posted by Duckcm18 View Post
Hi guys first time posting here and I have a little query. I have acquired 3 Razors in an eBay lot. A fine Joseph Rogers and Sons 5/8 Wedge, an AMA Solingen 5/8 Half ground and a Carrera that's a bit smaller than both.

None are Shave ready and they're my first razors, my questions are should I send them off to be professionally honed and start with decent shaving edges or continue to try to bring them back with stropping? How do I work out when an edge can't be achieved with stropping alone? How many laps are too many?

Thanks in advance of your expertise.
Get the razors professionally honed, so you can feel what a shave ready edge feels like. Don't worry about honing yet, you should focus on shaving technique and stropping. Those 2 things will keep you busy for awhile Stropping is very important but it can't sharpen an edge. It can refine an edge and give you a smoother shave. Check this site's library for info on shaving and stropping. As for laps, as long as you are using proper stropping technique, I think you can't do too many laps. After awhile though, you aren't really helping the edge. A good place to start is 30 laps on webbing or linen, then 50 on leather. I'm still new but I'm sure the more experienced guys will give you better advice.