To see what I've done to get up to the point of my first shave, see my other thread.

So, I finally did it! the first shave is done, with mixed results. I just did my cheeks, but I got a much closer shave than with my DE. However, it felt like the razor was grabbing each hair and almost pulling them out one-by-one. This is, I'm sure, my technique and my prep. It really is amazing how one straight shave can point out all you do wrong.

Here's my routine - shower, shave oil, build lather, apply lather, strop, re-lather, shave... As it turns out, my lather is not up to snuff. After clenching my jaw through the first few passes, I decided to to try and smear some of the soap residue directly onto my face - WHAT A DIFFERENCE. Lesson - make better lather.

I just wanted to let other newbs know that just because the first (or first few) shaves are horrible, doesn't mean straights are for you and it doesn't mean you r razor sucks. Have the self-awareness to understand the mechanics of a shave and try to fix what's causing the problem. Yeah, I know - all this from guy with one shave down... But the lessons are the same.

All in all - I had a downright painful first shave, but I can't wait to try again!!!