Newb check in, having better luck

Few weeks ago I posted that I had received a razor, but had probably dulled it by polishing the blade with an abrasive paste. Well, while waiting for that one to be honed up, I picked up a 6/8 M. Jung on the forums that had been cut down to two inches. It has bone scales and I looked it up online; it was made sometime between 1911 and 1923, which makes it older than any of my grandparents. Pretty cool.

Anyway, I have a full setup now. Got a Savile Row silvertip brush from Charles at QED, which I love, and a tub of Taylor's avocado cream. Got a starter strop in from Tony Miller with a free linen side due to a shipping delay (thanks a ton Tony!!).

I've shaved 3 times now with the straight, and the results have been mixed. The first two shaves were rather uncomfortable, as I'm working on my technique. The third was noticeably better, although I did cut my chin. I've drawn very small amounts of blood all three times, but then again my Mach III draws blood anytime I do an ATG pass. I've been trying a WTG pass and an XTG pass so far, and I think that I'll stick with that until I learn more; my face is rather tender at the moment. Been taking me a long time as well, but I'm sure I'll get faster with time.

Keep at it, I am on week two, and I am now able to shave every day and all of my shaving bumps are gone but one. After watching some stropping videos, I have enhanced my technique and am getting much better results!

I am loving shaving now, and that is saying a lot because I absolutely loved my beard, but I just enjoy shaving so much I no longer have one. Today is day two of a really great shave! No turning back now!