My first straight shave sucked.

Let me clarify. As the razor came to me "shave ready", I did not strop it. My thinking was that I wanted to establish a baseline/starting point, and I will strop tomorrow to see if there is a difference. I have been practice stropping with a dull practice razor for a few days, so I hope to see some improvement in the actual razor.

I did as Lynn Abrams recommends: one easy little pass down from my short sideburns to the jawbone. On each side. Nothing tricky. Just getting a feel for the razor. Not comfortable at all, pulled like hell. Was conservative, so no cuts or blood. Completed with a DE. Wiped the razor down with a tissue, also ran the tissue through the scales. Trying to develop some good habits.

I recognize this is just a start, part of the process, and I will try to do a little better tomorrow. I guess this thread will be journal of my straight razor infancy. Feel free to point out the error of my ways - I take coaching well.