I got into DE shaving 2 months ago and have been interested in Straight Razors as well. I already know the basics of wet shaving and have 2 quality brushes and several quality soaps. I have read a little on how to strop the razor but some things are not perfectly clear to me. I have several questions and hope I can get them answered before it gets here on Monday. Here is what I ordered and my questions:
Dovo "Astrale" Ebony 5/8 (half-hollow)
Illinois Razor Strop #827
Fromm Strop Dressing
1) The razor was ordered from WCS and it is pre-sharpened - Do I need to strop it before first use? If so do I strop it on the Canvas than leather or just the leather?
2) When stropping am I downward pressure on the razor?
3) The diagrams I have seen show the razor is relatively flat against the strop - wont this eventually wear the spine?
4) How many stropping passes for the canvas and how many for the leather? Also is this done both before and after the shave?
5) Is 30 - 10 Degrees the correct angle just like DE Shaving?
6) Can I strop on a pair of jeans when done to dry the blade (Seen this done quite a few times on youtube)?
7) Is going to be a YMMV question - Is it better to rinse the blade or to use a sponge and wipe it? If I use a sponge what are the chances it will dull the blade quicker.
Dovo "Astrale" Ebony 5/8 (half-hollow)
Illinois Razor Strop #827
Fromm Strop Dressing
1) The razor was ordered from WCS and it is pre-sharpened - Do I need to strop it before first use? If so do I strop it on the Canvas than leather or just the leather?
2) When stropping am I downward pressure on the razor?
3) The diagrams I have seen show the razor is relatively flat against the strop - wont this eventually wear the spine?
4) How many stropping passes for the canvas and how many for the leather? Also is this done both before and after the shave?
5) Is 30 - 10 Degrees the correct angle just like DE Shaving?
6) Can I strop on a pair of jeans when done to dry the blade (Seen this done quite a few times on youtube)?
7) Is going to be a YMMV question - Is it better to rinse the blade or to use a sponge and wipe it? If I use a sponge what are the chances it will dull the blade quicker.