Well I survived my first week SR shaving and I'm enjoying the experience more and more with each shave. I'm having the same problems that I read some other new shavers have. I've managed to dull my first razor ( poor stropping ) I think, and I am not getting a very close shave yet on my neck with some irritation. I'm now using a Ralf Aust 7/8 that I got from heesphram and it's shaving great. I got a Savile Rowe 3824 and i'm loving the way that brush feels on my face. Are there any tricks to getting a better lather? I'm using Dr. Harris or Poraso and am mostly face lathering but my second & third passes seem weak. Prep is always a hot shower followed by hot wet towel soak and then lather and shave. One pass on cheeks, three on neck and I'm not getting a very close shave on my neck. I'm doing better with my left hand now, not so awkward. I have slowed down and am trying to get better at stropping so I hope to not dull another razor prematurely. Thank you all that have given such good advice,it really helps in building confidence. All the best Frank Cerniwey