I just completed my first shave (with my whipped dog sight unseen straight). I only had the courage to do one pass. It felt very rough and dry in some spots. I guess I need to work on a better lather and angle, not to mention get comfortable holding the razor. The good news is that I only have 1 small nick, which has stopped bleeding with application of a styptic pencil. I had good success up near the sideburns, but it was a total disaster under the nose and down by the neck. I think I probably tried to rush too much. Probably should have taken advice and only done a few strokes for the first time, but I did my whole face. It's not the smoothest shave, but that could be because I only did 1 pass.

I will try to learn from my effort and not give up. Next shave will probably be with a safety razor so I can regain my sanity.