Gents, the razor came last night, and so I did my first shave this morning. I started with the advice to just do the sideburns. That went well, so I went and did the whole shave. I've got a goatie, so I'm just shaving where that's not.
Some observations.
First, if I cut myself, it will likely happen as a result of adjusting the presentation of blade to face while using the mirror. Or from running a finger over the blade while trying to get a grip. Yeesh...this thing is sharp.
Second, it does a decent job, but at this point not better than my disposable. With the disposable, I aggressively scrub against the grain. Today, I did try a little of both xtg and atg...but gingerely and tentatively. Just like with the disposable, I'm still rough in that triangle formed by the Jawline tapering down do the base of the larynx. I'm really hoping a straight will make this better, and although still rough it is somewhat improved. I'll tell you, cutting atg on the 'throat' focuses ones attention.
Third, when you say the straight 'exfoliates', you aren't kidding! My wife noticed that.
I have a beard that needs aggressive against the grain treatment, so I'll have to learn that.
This razor I bought 'shave ready', so tomorrow and onward I learn to strop.