My Adventures as a Brand new wetshaver

So... Hi all, I just had my second ever shave with a straight razor and I thought to myself lets see what I did right or wrong and maybe share my thoughts around.

After seeing some videos on YouTube showcasing how people shaved in the past (including a documentary instructional video by Bugs Bunny), I thought to myself "I have to try this thing" so I did!
Now some posts around the web said that you should start wet shaving with a safety razor first and then transition to a razor if you want, but I didn't come for no safety so I decided that I'll shave with a weapon or not at all.

So I got myself a Kit from whipped dog including:

• "sight unseen" straight razor.
• Synthetic Brush and Soap set.
• poor man strop kit.

The package arrived and I guess somewhere along the way some post office decided to play a round of football with my package because the razor arrived with broken scales...
But Larry is one awesome dude (He really is) and he said he will send me a replacement razor.

So on to my first shave!
I noticed I had no trouble shaving my two month beard, but when it came to WTG pass I had a bit of trouble getting real nice and close.
Got a few nicks and cuts but nothing to hard. And most importantly I learned a couple of points:
1. Don't use the brush in a stabbing motion...
2. Don't be afraid of the blade and use a good angle.
3. Be slightly afraid of the blade, its the sharpest thing I've ever seen by far.

So I stropped the blade (hopefully properly) and shaved for a second time today, this time including the mustache and chin area.
It went a bit more smoothly but still learning how to do like a pro. Now I noticed i have a problem finding a good place to grip my skin to stretch it.
Hopefully next shave I'll do an ATG pass (I'm positive since I decided to grow a beard again so it's just the neck area and around the ear)

Now I'm hoping to be a part of this society since my country is sadly lacking in wet shavers. So do you guys have any good place to order shaving soaps? I've seen Phoenix Artisan Accoutrements and I may give them a go.
Anyway Hello to all of you!

Hi and welcome. Sounds like you have done your homework and started well. If you haven't yet check out the library and the videos sections and any questions feel free to ask. Good luck with your shaves.

Welcome! Sounds like you are off to a good start:)
I would personally hold off on trying to go against the grain until you have some more experience, the technique is slightly different and it is easier to cut yourself IMO. You did the right thing watching lots of videos to get ideas, there are some great demos out there now. Also, I agree that Larry is a good guy, that was a good place to get a starter set from. Now you just need a backup or two lol.
There are some amazing people in this forum, and a huge amount of knowledge so don't be afraid to ask some questions!

Welcome to SRP!
Make sure you check out the Beginner's section in the Library here. It has a lot of good information to help you get started.

The first 30 or so shaves are often not close, or at least not consistently close. Some days you will get it right, the next day it will horrible. But it should constantly get better, closer, and smoother. Skin stretching goes the same way, it can take several weeks of practice to figure out what works best for you and a year later you may read about a different technique that works even better.

Usually we recommend that new shavers get one good soap and learn it well - since bad lather can make your shave miserable. If you want to try different soaps you can order sizes from straightrazordesigns, maggardrazors, and several others. There is a subforum dedicated to soaps and creams that you can search a soap name for and see what people think of it.

Welcome to the club! Sounds like you're off to a great start and I love your avatar :)

Welcome to SRP!

You got off to a better start than I did. I first tried a straight back in the eighties and I didn't have the suport and instruction this site supports. To say that my first attempt with a straight was disappointing would be an understatement. I did keep using the brush and bowl so all was not lost.
I found this site about three years ago, bought my first really shave ready razor and haven't looked back.
I'm jealous, in a way, that you were able to enjoy your first foray into wet shaving, but I'm glad you're enjoying your experience with a straight. Please, stay with it. Even if you have to retrograde to a DE, you will continue to have a pleasant, enjoyable experience with what would be a daily chore of shaving.

Welcome to SRP. glad to have you. Don't get to attached to the beard (pun) because as your skill level grows you will be looking at that untamed real estate as an excuse to continue expanding on your new found prowess.

Welcome and enyoy yor stay overhere