I have taken my first shave today and then had a go at stropping a razor. I have only shaved my sideburns and cheeks and the razor did take of some hair but only really tiny pieces. The good news is I have survived the ordeal and don't appeared to have lost any of the red stuff. I have read loads on this fantastic forum, but am I actually doing any of this straight shaving correctly. I wouldn't call the shave I got from the straight close at all. I went over my whole face again with my DE razor. Using the straight for the first time feels like a massive releif and can't wait to have another go tomorrow. I have added a pic of the gear I used, a video of my shave and a video of my stropping. I am sure I have done everything wrong except cut my carotid artery, i'll try shaving my neck later

Picture of gear

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Video of Stropping - oops I noticed i said honing in video - sorry nervous



Video of First Shave



I am guessing there is something I am doing wrong for the razor not to shave close. The razor has been honed by Lynn and so is bound to be sharp enough. The blade also feels fragile when shaving. I know they are thin but when I am passing the razor over my face it feels like I am going to break the edge. I know thats ridiculous but it may give a clue to what I am doing wrong.