Angle and prep

The first thing that i have learned is that I should have had my razor sent off to be honed i bought my own hones and did it my self toke longer than i thought but i think i have it now I am looking into getting a shave ready razor but must wait for the monies to make it self available.The second thing i learned was even though that my DE prep is good I need a little more with the straight. And the third thing is working on the angle and follow through. My last shave I was so excited that the razor was cutting smoothly that I stopped and held the razor in place to see and gave myself a three inch long nick. Opps but lesson learned.

Yeah I know how you feel. I put mine down wrong on my face or dragged it away wrong a couple times and ended up with those nasty little paper cut nicks that everyone loves so much. Still learning but well worth the effort. I'm already seeing how this shave is so much better both in smoothness and comfort afterward.

Braxis, I think I did the same as you in all areas. I am glad I went the "long route" to the first shave. It was a nice feeling shaving with a self-honed, $18, antique store razor. I too ordered a shave-ready and just got it yesterday. I'll probably give it a try today, but I think I will try to wear out the $18 razor first so that I get good experience on a second hone in a few months, before honing the nice new razor.

i learn everything that I do by jumping in head first. And this will be no different I think. I like shaving and it takes skill and time to learn all the little things. And I look forward to the work it will take for the mastery of this manly art form:D