Noob checking in

Hi All,
I just purchased my first straight, a Dovo Bismarck, 6/8 from Classic Shaving. I have yet to put it to my face, since it just came in today. Just got off the phone with Tony Miller, a great guy very helpful and friendly, and my strop will be on it's way tomorrow. I was all gung-ho before I actually had the Dovo in my hand, now that it is here, I'm thinking, "How in the hell do people put this thing on their face?!" I'm pretty sure I will be over that once I'm all lathered and ready to roll. I've been using a DE for over a year, moving from an electric mower that I used for 15 years or more. I started down the electric path because it was so painful after shaving with a disposable, since I never learned how to properly shave. I'm so glad I came back home.

Thanks for listening to the noob babble!

Welcome to the forums.... Now take a deep breath,,,,,ALL WILL BE OK!!! First, congrats on the new Dovo, but I must ask if you got it PRE-HONED? Razors out of the box are usually not sharp enough to shave comfortably. If you did get the service, just take it REAL slow the first few times till you get the FEEL of it. You'll be fine. ENJOY.

Welcome! +1 on take it slow and have patience. Maybe start by just shaving your cheeks for a bit of time to get the feel for the razor. Your shaving angle shouldn't be too steep. Think laying the blade flat against your face as a zero angle. having the spine off your face increases the angle. Start by having the spine of the razor barely lifted off your face and make some cheek passes. You may not cut a ton of whiskers that way, but you'll have less chance of nicking yourself or getting irritation from the get go. Stretch your skin as you go.

And, keep us posted!

Chris L