Well... it happened. I did it this weekend, first straight razor experience ever under my belt... all I can say is "wow".

First, I want to thank everyone who posted in this thread. Trying something new like this is very intimidating. Everyone who posted had encouraging, yet realistic words. And in this world, that's all anyone can and should expect.

I cannot believe how a straight razor gives feedback when moving blade on the skin. There is definitely an auditory experience as the blade cuts the hair.

Yes, I got a nick. On my chin. How did that happen? Well, the first pass on my left cheek went great. Of course the first pass down wasn't BBS, I didn't expect to be. But, I also didn't dig a WW1 trench in my face either. Cool... So I did the right cheek. No blood letting there either. Double cool... So I started moving down my left cheek, vertical passes towards my chin. Then under my lower lip I got over confident and nicked myself slightly. Then I set the straight down and stopped. I says to myself, I says, "Self," I says, "... don't push this. Take 'er slow." So I rinsed and immediately dried the straight.

Then I finished with my Mach Quadrillion. And you know what? That p.o.s. nicked me twice! WTF??!?!

You's guys should have seen me shaking with that razor in my hand. I'm sure you would have been saying, "Holy <explative>, this guy is going to murder himself."

Ah well. Sorry for the wordy post. I'm giddy, what can I say.

Now, I need to nail the strop... <queue crummy horror music>

Thanks again everyone! I'll report back after my 1st strop... (as if anyone gives a rat's hiney! hahahaha....)