Anyone who is wondering how to sharpen a straight razor, just go to youtube and type in stropping, you'll see some vids there. Actually, any type of stropping vid can be found there. I used to be deadset against straight razors, feared I'd slit my throat, until I visited a barber shop run by an older Greek gentleman. He convinced me to try it; Best shave I had in my life, period! He helped get me set up with the gear, and was willing to pass on to "an interested youngster" (As he liked to call me <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />) for a cup of Timmies coffee when I came to visit. I don't think I could ever go back to disposables; It feels so good to throw that hot towel on in the morning to soften the skin, massage the face, and then start to shave. It gets you in the mood to face the day.

I use an old fashioned belt designed for stropping razors (You can buy them from specialty stores, or even online from the sites Tolly mentioned ($$ ranges, depending on quality; I spent $90 CAD on mine, and it's still plenty fine 8 years later). The paste you can buy from just about anywhere; I usually pick mine up from either Lee Valley, or the local Princess Auto store, depends whos' got the better deal on.

This is gonna suck for the next couple weeks, though. I had to go and dig out my old electric razor so that I can shave for work tomorrow. I'm already dreading it! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />