wanting to get past the newbie stage, ive been doubling up the shaves, twice a day instead of the usual once a day. im sure the obsession will pass and the shaves are truly getting better. the skin is getting smoother but tougher, tighter, almost strop like, almost seems like im tanning it like leather with all the balms. maybe one reason you nick yourself more in the beginning is that your skin just wasnt up to it yet.