I'll look at the 12k stone. I know I won't be needing one for a while, but it's the outdoorsman in me that likes to be prepared.

As for my first shave....it was terrible. I've gotten shaves twice as comfortable and twice as close from a disposable Bic.

That being said though, it was my fault. I think 90% of the problem was a poor lather (also my fault, not the soap), and the rest was my pigheaded unwillingness to start slowly. I just lathered up and went for the whole face.

I think my angle was ok, but I have a tendency to use too much pressure even with a Mach III, so I'm sure this will take some time.

Despite the irritation and remaining stubble, I stayed nick free. I look forward to mastering this, and I'm sure the wealth of information here will help.