This is my first post and it will tell on me. My experience first...
I have never used a straight razor, well almost never. I traveled to Spain in the mid 90's and bought a razor for it's looks, gold inlayed inscription on the polished blade. I kept it as a riminder of the day I visited Tolado (sp?) with friends. OK lets skip a few details and step in front of the mirror with me. My wife (29 years) bought me a kit from"The Art of Shaving". How hard can it be? I lather-up my badger brush, soap my face from ear to ear and position my razor so that it fits just so and start at mt right sideburns and... STOP! Fear filled my eyes and my wife knew it too. That thing is not playing. This is not for beginers. Whew! I felt it grip my skin, perhaps catch my skin would be better, as it did not slide like I thought it would. I would like to try again though. How would I know if my razor is good enough? How do I prepare?

Thanks in advance for all your help.
Paul