Just wanted to say hello and tell everyone how much I like this site!

This last Sunday was my first attempt at a straight razor shave. I got a new, expert honed Dovo from SRD, read as much as I could absorb from this site in the last month or so, and took my first attempt (after doing all the proper beard prep, etc).

Well, things did not go as well as I had planned. I attempted to do too much on my first try. Did my cheeks first, but not too well. Didn't remove much hair. Proceeded to do my neck and chin with the same results. Ended up going over things a few times only to make things worse and ended up with a few good nicks (nothing too serious) and some good razor burn.

I'm not dismayed though. I'm going to learn to do this. I'm looking forward to another attempt, but don't know how long I should wait. My skin is still quite red in parts, but doesn't hurt too much.

Any advice on how long to wait before giving it another go with the straight? Should I shave with my old fusion until my skin fully heals?

If I wait a few more days then decide to go ahead and just do small parts with the straight (like my cheeks), should I be concerned with the several days worth of beard growth I'll have? I'm wondering if I should shave my old way with the fusion next time, then a day later, try the straight again when there's less growth.

I think my main problem with this first shave was from wanting to do too much on the first try, too much pressure on the blade, and not a very good angle. Also, I have to admit I was REALLY nervous. I kept thinking I was going to cut myself. I think the nicks I got were mostly from hesitating after touching razor to skin. It wasn't a smooth motion (with confidence) like I have with the old disposables I've used my whole life.

Thanks a lot!