So, I'm hoping that this thread will become a bit of a place for us newbies to come together. To let one another know how we're coming along, discuss problems we have in common and so on. Hopefully (and knowing the ultra-helpful folks here, certainly) get a bit of helpful comments from those who have been where we are now.

Not to sound lame, but I'm hoping to build a bit of a sense of comraderie amongst us new folk. Admit it, learning a new hobby is always more fun when you feel like you're part of a group, like you have friends with whom you can discuss everything pertaining to your new passion. I'm sure it's half the reason we're all here! :P

Anyways, on to the actual meat of my post...

So, since my razor arrived from Ken on Tuesday, I've been shaving with it every day. I haven't even touched my DE. Though it does take me ages to get a complete shave, I'm down to about twenty minutes but I was taking around a half hour. I'm getting a little less irritation now, but my first few shaves especially left me with a real burning sensation (it's a good thing my face is already like leather, due to years of working out in the open elements :P) but it's getting a little better each time.

Still though, I can only get under my nose by bringing the blade in on a ninety degree angle to my skin, snagging the hair and improving the angle on the way down. Which leads to a TON of tugging. I also have to do about six passes over the tip of my chin, changing the angle and moving in slightly different directions, pulling the skin this way and that to get it done.

I'm still hooked, though, near to the point of obsession.

So, hows about you other new guys?