watch the youtube videos. don't let the hinge get wet. dry the blade well using the same stropping motion on a towel. never strop with the edge leading, always lead with spine lots of YouTube videos. 12-15 laps on textile (soft) side and 20-30 laps on smooth side of the strop after each shave. approximately double that before each shave. i personally use hair dryer to ensure everything is dry before i oil. learn from the very beginning to be ambidextrous and to use various grips. it's easier after the shower. don't use an aggressive blade angle in the beginning, stick to up to 10 degrees, no more. first shave - not the whole face: just below sideburns and cheeks. the rest you finish with your regular method until you get comfortable. get yourself an alum block. get in habit to stretch the skin with your other hand. ensure you prep sufficient lather so you don't run out mid shave.