So, I just did the math from when I received my first straight razor to today and figure I have done 50 shaves with a straight razor, give or take 1 or 2.
I feel I've come a LONG way in a relatively short time. I now own the following razors (in order of purchase):
1. Boker Arbolito 5/8 - Purchased new.
2. Geo Wostenholm & Son Extra hollow circa 1850 - 1890 - Purchased from Wolfpack34 in the classifieds here.
3. Worcester 1/2 hollow (guessing) 6/8 circa 1900 - 1930 - Purchased from Wolfpack34 in the classifieds here.
4. Boker Elite 6/8 - Purchased new.
5. Geo Wostenholm & Son full hollow 5/8 circa 1891 - 1910 - Purchased from ebay and honed myself (didn't do half bad. Very shavable).
6. Ralf Aust full hollow 6/8 shoulderless, decorated spine - Purchased new.
7. Geo Wostenholm & Son near wedge (I think) 6/8 "The Real I.XL Razor" - purchased from ebay and off to Wolfpack for referb.
I also have a SRD Premium I strop and will be buying a SRD Premium IV English Bridle strop very soon.
I started off rather bravely (OK, foolishly) doing 3 pass shaves with cleanup. I was pretty confident from the get go since I had been shaving with DE and SE razors for well over a year and had become very proficient at whipping up a nice lather with multiple soaps and I was very familiar with my beard growth direction. I drew blood fairly often at first, but almost always in the form of weapers. I've only had 1 real cut and it was an ear lobe cut. I've had a couple landing cuts that drew a hint of blood, but nothing serious. I have been able to shave for a couple weeks now without any blood whatsoever (knock on wood) and I get BBS or near BBS shaves almost daily.
The only reason I'm telling you all this is to let anyone who is just starting out with a straight know to be persistent, shave with confidence, but also with extreme concentration, and you will be mastering the art in no time.
I know many say it's not necessary, but I would also suggest wet shaving with a DE for a couple months to learn your beard and become skilled at creating a nice, well hydrated lather. A solid lather is a BIG key to SR shaving success in my mind.
Good luck to all my fellow noobs and keep pluggin'!
Murf
