Had about my 7th or so shave tonight and it all came together. I had been reading and reading forever about the closeness and comfort of using straights and had not been experiencing it. Up until tonight I was walking around with a bloody razorburned face and was really thinking about giving it up.

After tonights shave I thought I'd post and try to reinforce what everyone on here is saying. For anyone who just started and is having a rough time :It does get better and eventually you'll get it. I thought that my beard/skin combination just couldn't be shaved without irritation. I was wrong. Smooth skin and comfortable shaves can be had if you work at it!

Thanks everybody!