This is the place to ask beginner and simple questions. Some examples include:
• Soap, scent, or gear recommendations • Favorite scents, bases, etc • Where to buy certain items • Identification of a razor you just bought • Troubleshooting shaving issues such as cuts, poor lather, and technique
Please note these are examples and any questions for the sub should be posted here.
My post here talks through what’s needed.
https://www.reddit.com/r/wicked_edge/comments/14qrvf6/comment/jqp4jmd/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=mweb3x&utm_name=mweb3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button
Presuming you picked something up that needs sharpening (unless you got a lot of luck and chose a particular rare ebay seller, it will need sharpening), that’s your first step, mail to a pro to sharpen it. Stropping will not make a straight razor sharper, it simply aligns the microscopic metal frill at the apex. Sharpening requires steel removal, not just alignment.
Post some pictures and more details!
Thanks for your reply and the link!
The blade was in really good shape, but after giving it a soak in alcohol, I tried it on my arm, but no joy there. I thought I would give it a try to sharpen it myself on a Shapton 12k. It turned out alright, and I shaved with it yesterday evening - good enough for me!