Maybe it's just that I have a particularly well sharpened razor (Thanks again to the member who gifted it to me. It seems in such great condition I almost question what he said as kind of a reason for gifting it). Otherwise maybe it's just my tough skin. I raked the crap out of my face ATG with just water to get it smooth when I used a multi-blade razor. In any case, my first three shaves weren't a problem at all. I haven't nicked myself or had razor burn throughout either 3 of them. I did manage to go around the end of my chin just fine this last time, which I'm pretty happy about.

I feel like I'm getting a pretty close shave going WTG, but not BBS. I did go XTG on my cheeks this last time too, and that went fine. I've read that ATG is a lot more dangerous for cutting yourself, though. Should I feel OK trying ATG on my cheeks just to get used to it, or am I in danger of slicing myself and should wait until I get more practice before I try it? I feel like this is a dumb question since I would logically be the best person to decide what I should do, but I don't want to go cutting myself either.

Also, my home-made strop works awesome! I used a strip of leather with no scars or markings and a very fine suede texture. I could tell it actually did refine the edge after my first and second shaves. Thanks for all of the help with my strop questions.


Jeremy