Starting to "get it!"

[SteveS]

As I mentioned in my Introduction, I have an old Super Kama---Solingen 5/8 full-hollow, I think---that Alan (AFDavis11) was nice enough to repair and hone to shave-ready condition for me. I got a strop and Lynn's DVD from Tony a week ago and I've been stropping and straight razor shaving since then. On both my first and second shaves, I managed to give myself (remarkably parallel!) 1" slices on my left jawline, when I moved my left hand injudiciously. But I persevered and have managed to shave my whole face, neck, etc. without drawing blood on my third and subsequent shaves. I was left with a decent amount of stubble in several places on my third, fourth, and fifth shaves. But yesterday---my sixth shave---and today, I got comfortable and close shaves almost everywhere. My cheeks are as smooth as they've been in 20 years and my neck isn't much rougher. I know I have a long way to go to being truly competent with a straight, but these successes have given me a glimpse of what's ahead. I'm starting to see why you guys are such dedicated straight razor shavers!

Thanks to Alan, Tony, Lynn, and all the other members who've shared their time and knowledge with newbies like me!