Well, just Finished laying the straight razor across my face for the first time. Despite the title it was a smashing success. I'm not even bleeding anywhere. (beginners luck i am sure)

I started exactly where i was supposed to. With the grain, right hand right sideburn, left hand left sideburn, then i set the razor down. Then i picked it back up. Then i finished up the right cheek, and then the left cheek, and then i moved below the jaw line. Things definitely got more complicated there but i was feeling surprisingly comfortable and a little adventurous so sticking with the standard N-S rule and what i'd seen in videos completed the neck. Around the chin and under the nose... well that is going to take some more work.

Rinsed off and thought... wow i missed quite a bit. So i completed another pass generally WTG. I decided to just go with my gut and rather than concentrating exactly on going N-S or holding the razor exactly how it is recommended i went with trying new grips as long as it felt sturdy and like i was in control of the blade I gave it ago. I also played more with the direction i knew the hair was growing. Cheeks went great and below the jawline definitely went better. Under the nose and the chin area are still a little furry though.

Had some issues with my Lather, I think a lot of it had to do with not concentrating on it enough due to excitement about the shave. That combined with taking it slow meant i had to re-lather a few times during the shave, but hey that's not really a big deal. The alum definitely lets you know where things were a little rougher haha... namely below the jaw line... but even while shaving i could tell my angle was off a bit. But that all comes down to practice and experience I'm thinking.

All in all I am calling it a success.

Will probably need to shave again later today so I'm good to go for work. May give the Straight another go with disposable for clean up or may just use disposable for a quick shave.... will make that decision later.