Just strop

Hey guys, got a question. I am new to straight razor shaving and this site but familiar with wet shaving and replaceable blades. I just received a 2" strop and a black Dovo best (start small to be sure it's for me) from SRD. Now the question...lol... I keep seeing folks talk about paste. I feel like that's a lot for me right from the start. Is it ok if I just learn to strop before diving in on all that other stuff, or do I need paste?

Second question. Do I use the material side (non leather) every time I strop?


Thanks guys!

If the razor shaves well,forget the paste for now,I never use fabric,just leather.Works for me,wellcome to SRP

Welcome. Because of where your razor came from you should shave with it right out of the box and strop before your next shave. SRD is known for their edges being very good. Pastes are generally for later. Here is a video about how and when
Straight Razor Honing-Refreshing Straight Razors - YouTube

Welcome

As RezDog says, do not strop it before your first shave as the edges from SRD are know to be very good out of the box. That way you will know what a sharp edge should feel like. Also being new to the stropping thing you could possibly damage the edge while learning to strop. This way you will see when you do strop it if your stropping technique is or is not degrading the edge.

Everyone's stropping routine varies a bit. Me, I do 20 laps (one lap is back and forth) on the none leather side followed by 60 on the leather before I shave.

I would leave off the paste for now. It is useful when the razor starts to get dull to try and bring it back.

Bob

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Originally Posted by Redcane

Hey guys, got a question. I am new to straight razor shaving and this site but familiar with wet shaving and replaceable blades. I just received a 2" strop and a black Dovo best (start small to be sure it's for me) from SRD. Now the question...lol... I keep seeing folks talk about paste. I feel like that's a lot for me right from the start. Is it ok if I just learn to strop before diving in on all that other stuff, or do I need paste?

Second question. Do I use the material side (non leather) every time I strop?


Thanks guys!

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I wouldn't put anything on the leather strop unless there is a decline in appearance or performance.

I use the fabric side, but a lot of experienced shavers don't. Over time, you will read about what various members do, not only in stropping, but in shaving and honing. We all begin navigating knee-deep in weeds and we just have to try things until the experience kicks in and we know what to do.

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Originally Posted by pixelfixed

If the razor shaves well,forget the paste for now,I never use fabric,just leather.Works for me,wellcome to SRP

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What he said.

IMO, pastes are like make-up on a woman...they just hide what is underneath.

I like linen then leather. I find I get a better edge that way and it also cleans the blade before going to leather. How many passes to do is personal preference but 25 linen and 50 leather is a pretty safe bet. Paste is not required for a shave ready blade. Once it no longer shaves properly then think of paste.