I had the great opportunity to meet up with Charlie Larman (clarman on the forums) last night. Charlie lives about 20 minutes from me and invited me over to talk about wet shaving. Charlie and I talked about all the aspects of shaving, lather, honing, stropping, face prep, products, razors and finally technique. Charlie showed me the correct way to hold a razor to feel the “balance”. We looked at edges of blades and he showed me what to look for. Then we got into shaving. My angles and technique were all wrong and that’s what was causing the “dragging” when I shaved. Charlie showed me the correct way to shave and it was great! I’m a visual learner and it’s easy to read something but, there’s nothing like someone to show you in person. I never use any alcohol based after shaves because it always burns. Well, after Charlie showed me how to shave correctly I used some Bay Rum and guess what? NO BURNING! I did get embarrassed when I got a small cut on my cheek (hey I was using one of Charlie’s razors) but, Charlie didn’t seem to care too much about the cut. Funny thing is I just kept shaving and the Bay Rum didn’t burn the place I cut at all, much to my surprise. I have to tell you guys if you ever get a chance to meet someone that is willing to help out like Charlie did with me then jump at the chance. I learned more in the 3.5 hours I was with Charlie then I ever would have by just reading. Charlie also showed me a lot of different razors. I just couldn’t get over the Maestro Livi razors Charlie has. The Maestro’s are the best razor I have ever seen and handled. I also got to see some new razors that are made here in America and are just as good (imo) as the Maestro’s. Like I said, if you ever get a chance to hook up with an experienced wet shaver then do it and ask lots of questions.:y