new to stropping

Hi, I'm brand new to shaving with a straight razor. I purchased a set at straight razor designs including the video. I have a question about the strop. In the video there is a linen part that you put some past on. The set that I purchased the strop is nylon. Do I treat it the same as the linen ones? The video didn't mention anything about this kind of strop. I also have another question. I feel stupid for asking this one. The shaving cream that came with the set, how do you get a lather from it?

No such thing as a stupid question. Especially when you are staring out. Do not put paste of the 'linen' side of your strop. That's for when you need to learn to refresh your razor every so often to keep form having to send it out for honing too soon. Most likely your razor did/will not come shave ready. It will need to be honed by a pro (found in the classifieds here on SRP) or by a mentor in your area that often do that for new shavers. Change your bio to show where you are at and most likely a mentor will let you know he is close and willing to give you some one-on-one time to get you on the right track. Read, read, read the wikis on everything including how to strop without dulling your razor (we've pretty much all of us done that deed staring out). Most strops are leather and linen or felt. Linen being the generic term for a lot of different fabrics used for that function. If you have a heavy hand it would be best to use your strop on the edge of a table so you have no give in it and can concentrate on proper technique. Good luck and ask a lot of questions.

If your razor came from SRD it probably is already shave ready. Just an FYI. Also don't strop it before you use it the first time. Just trust me on this one.

Do not paste your strop. Watch some of Lynn Abrams vids on YouTube as he had some on lathering and one on refreshing a razor. If you get stuck feel free to ask any questions. Ed