First shave

[FastEdge]

Hello to everyone. First, thanks for all the great advice that is freely shared here. It truly is a great community. Second, Smythe, from this forum really came through for me with a great razor. Thanks.

Well, I received my new beauty today and could not wait to try it out. I got ready as you should, washing my face, moisturizing my face and beard using my wife's hair conditioner (that's something I've been doing for years and it works great). I stropped using an old leather belt and went for it.

My first stroke was my left cheek which was probably not the best place to start since I'm right handed, but that's where the blade landed so I went with it. It was not very good at all. I was nervous. I was timid and I left just about all the stubble I had exactly where it was... on my face.

I took a deep breath, steadied myself, and tried again. Not much better, but I started to figure out how to better hold the razor. I guess I was being too cautious about contact with my skin, but it's a shave so it's rather essential.

After just a few minutes of unsteady strokes I really found my groove and figured it out. I know that everyone here says to just do one cheek, but I found myself doing my whole face, neck and chin included.

I feel I had the closest shave of my life. Sure my face is burning just a bit, but that was not unexpected. The real test, though, was my wife. She touched my face and exclaimed, " Ohh, this is different. This is not like your other razors."

I am sold!

Unfortunately, while trying to get to a rather tight spot I leaned too close to my mirror and touched my razor to it. I bent the point ever so slightly. Doh! I just got it and already it needs to be rehoned. Obviously I'm going to have to get a hone and more razors for back up. I knew there would be a catch.

To all newbies, keep your chin up (pun intended) and take it slow.

Ed Mercado
Merc Consulting - Web Design for Central Florida