Hello, everyone. I was super interested in straight razor shaving, and joined this forum five years ago. My first shave was OK - I just did the one side, like Lynn says. But after a time or two, I got a bit overconfident, and thought I could just go fast, like I was using a Gillette razor. Well, I cut the hell out of my sideburn area - and I was afraid to get "back on the horse" again. Here I am five years later, and I really stropped my my shaver - and did a test run over one sideburn. THIS time - I really watched Lynn's super helpful youtube videos, and I heeded his advice. Especially the angle of the razor. Today, I had a one week old growth on my face, and thought I would do just a bit with the straight razor, then finish with my modern razor. I was doing such a good, slow and methodical shave, that I went ahead and shaved my entire face! I am so happy! It will take quite awhile before I can get the bbs effect, but I had just tiny and superficial nicks - no worse then using a modern razor. I wanted to thank Lynn, and everyone else in here that gave me the confidence to do this. This is a green and sustainable way to shave. and it's the best. Thank you all!