Started yesterday with a vintage Grevemeyer and a Van der Hagen starter kit. I added a Rasier Messerstein three line hone and repurposed an old belt for a temporary strop. I started with a partial shave as recommended, but the razor needed to be sharper. After reviewing some more videos, I got a better lather this morning, and I had a sharper razor - still not sharp enough. Part way through I dinged the razor on the faucet and decided to put 10 more strokes on the hone and restrop. The razor felt much better after that, but by that time the razor was wearing out its welcome on my face.

Yesterday I was excited. Today I am slightly frustrated, but I believe the experience will improve with time. I think that the hone is working well, and that I am at the threshold of the edge that I want. I am frustrated that my face dries so quickly behind the razor (I have always shaved in the shower before). It is more difficult than I had imagined to get at the odd angles, but I believe that a sharper razor may give a sufficiently close shave without going against the grain. Overall, I love the feel of my face that results from the soap and brush. I have taken to using witch hazel as well to follow my shave. I think the most important part of enjoying this sport may be perfecting the art of honing.

The part that noone told me was how addictive it can be to buy razors on ebay! I already have a Boker and a Daly & Holland on the way. I have to get this under control soon; before these two razors, I had spent less than $50 for the Grevemeyer, shave kit, and hone.

Thank you to everyone here who puts so much time into passing on your knowledge. People like you and the advent of YouTube are reviving and preserving many dying arts. I could never have found the information I needed without your help. Thanks, again.