So I have only been here a couple of days but all my starter kit arrived today (thanks Invisble Edge!). I thought I would give a quick run down here a) because it's becoming clear the great people on this site like detail; and also, b) in case it helps or settles the nerves of people that come across this website in the same way I did recently before their first shave. Sorry if this is a long post but I think my excitement got the best of me!

While i did approach it with some trepidation...I have to say I loved the experience and am already, definitely, hooked. The main thing that I wanted to gain from the experience (as well a new hobby/skill) was some time to just relax and take my mind off work etc. That was certainly something I achieved!

I prepped with a hot shower and then applied some Murdock Avalon pre-shave balm (I love the scent and have used this for a long time). I then lathered up with some Lemon and Lime Cream from Taylor's of Old Bond Street and got going. If I had one criticism of the Invisible Edge starter pack (which may seem odd given I am a total newbie) it would be that the brush which is pure badger is a bit harsh. I have had a number of wet shaves in London and found the brushes that were used for those were better for my skin. A brush may well be my first upgrade.

As for the shave itself...for a start I have to thank everyone I have come into contact with on this site already and especially Lynn. I watched Lynn's beginners shaving 30 minute video on youtube and it included everything I needed to know. I highly recommend it to any new starters. In terms of the shave itself, I started out with the blade (a Dovo 5/8) essentially flat against my face and then just tilted it until I found an angle that seemed to cut well. I also applied next to no pressure and just slighted increased this until I found what I thought was the "sweetspot" (almost certainly not actually the sweetspot, but everyone needs to start somewhere).

I found the cheek area to be relatively straight forward given that this was a totally new experience for me and was able to get a much cleaner line on my beard than I ever have with a cartridge razor. I could get a closer shave but I didn't want to try a second pass at this early stage and settled for one pass with the grain. I did have a little difficulty with my neck. Whilst I found around my adam's apple not too difficult I did struggle slightly with the sides. Again i did not try against the grain but will move on to that once I have a greater grasp of the basics.

Thanks to Invisible Edge I didn't need to strop the for my first shave (the information pack with the kit specifically advises against it) but that will be my next challenge in a couple of days.

I hope the above does not sound self serving or like i am trying to pat myself on the back. I probably did a pretty poor job overall but was happy with what I achieved for my first time. I am a firm believer in the adage, whilst cheesy, "fail to prepare, prepare to fail". Perusing this site meant that I was fully prepared for the experience and I would urge any another person considering shaving with a straight razor that may have stumbled across this post to do it because its fantastic, but also to use the help from this amazing community to make sure they are fully prepared.

Thanks again to everyone that has helped me so far.