Great writeup! I'm a newbie, also waiting for near-lethal toys to arrive for my first straight shave. Wife doesn't know yet but if there is any significant blood loss I'm sure she'll clue in pretty fast. I'm also planning on avoiding alcohol-based afterslash -- er, aftershave -- until my skin has grown accustomed to regular exfoliation. Aloe vera or tea tree for me, baby!

--Mike