Ben must have put a great edge on my razor, and thankfully, my stropping technique hasn't ruined it yet, because this afternoon, I had the BEST SHAVE EVER! And that includes the ones I've had prior to SR shaving.

Today, was the first time I didn't have to use an M3 to finish up. And I am actually BBS.......in some places. I couldn't do an ATG pass in some areas, because I got ( I think ) a weeper? Not quite clear what a weeper is, but if it's sorta/kinda a nick, but one that doesn't bleed, then I ended up getting one on an XTG pass, in one area. I also have some ingrown inflammations in other areas, so I didn't do more than one pass in those spots, but I am actually BBS in some areas! And aside from the one little chin hair I couldn't get to, because it's right next to a razor bump, this is the best shave I've ever had!! I am so psyched. I know I said I had faith that I would get there, but in all honesty, some of that was bravado/denial, because in the back of my head, I wasn't completely certain. But what do you know? After a half a dozen partial shaves, this is my first complete and all around shave and I am LOVING IT! My skin feels so soft!! I almost feel girly!! LOL.

And for other newbies, who haven't experienced this....seriously, keep at it, because once you get there, or close to there, like I am, it really does feel as soft as a baby's bottom.

Also, I think when it comes to technique, one of the best pieces of advice, is in the signature of another member here (sorry, the member name escapes me at the moment). It's the advice given to him by a barber, about holding the blade very lightly. Light enough to allow the blade to flex should the hair catch. I found holding the razor lightly especially useful around the chin and neck areas, and when doing an ATG pass.

I also have never worried about nicking myself, because A) I know it doesn't hurt that much, and B) I know, because my Mach 3 has been chewing up my face on the regular for years, and so I figure how much more damage can one blade do as opposed to 3 ? So, I take a fearless approach to it; not reckless, just that it doesn't scare me, even around the throat. I actually feel most comfortable shaving the throat area. It's my chin and jawline that are the toughest areas. So, it's not about being nonchalant, as I totally respect the blade. Respect it more than my Mach 3. I take my time, and because I am using a cheap soap that dries rather quickly, and I'm slow, I just lather half my face at a time.

I also seem to be doing okay on the lather front. I have a cheap 5 dollar synthetic brush, and I just dab some shave cream sample on the brush after soaking it in a cup with water I heated in a microwave. And I also put a very thin layer on the face, (after the hot towel) The combo of the cream and the soap seem to produce a good lather. It's quite thick, with tiny bubbles, almost like whipped yogurt would be like? Anyway, it still dries on my face too fast, but that may be because I still really REALLY slow with my shaves. So you don't have to have the best soap and best brush to get a really smooth shave. The shave ready razor and the strop, are the thing. And the prep beforehand is important too. I'm loving this...

Wow! I can't stop touching my face!

Thanks everyone for the help and advice. I can't believe how excited I am about this!