well I used my new razor for the first time today for one pass from the side burns down. so I took my shower and washed my face with some soap I had made almond and honey scent while letting my brush soak in hot water then wipped up me some lather and lathered up and then stropped the razor then relathered and proced to make my pass my razor a oxford 7/8 spike point cut threw the hair like a hot knife thur butter without taking any skin then finished up with gem single edge blade i bought at a antque store