Is there a generally-agreed definition of when someone is no longer a newbie? I've only been at this straight thing for a couple of months, but...

Yesterday, I received an ERN Crown & Sword 1720 that I got on eBay for $5.99. It was dull as hell, but generally in really nice condition. I cut a new bevel on it, honed it and stropped it. Then I did a nice prep and went for a shave.

Fabulous! BBS on most of my face, pretty close everywhere else. And not a drop of blood!

Though I'm certainly no honemeister, I'm not feeling like such a newbie any more.

Mike