I'm sure my story isn't unique, but I wanted to share anyway!

I am new to straight razors. I just purchased the Lynn-honed Dovo Special Tortise shell in 6/8. I also purchased the Rock Hard Felt strop. My thinking was to get a quality razor, and a capable strop. I try not to skimp on tools, it's cheaper in the long run to buy quality first. A deal like SRD's with the free pro honing and a certificate for an additional free honing is hard to beat. even if you get the same razor somewhere else for le$$, you still have to put out $$$ to get it ready.

I lurked through all the forums here. I mined youtube for information on everything from brush selection to creams to techniques. I talked to Don at SRD. He gave me excellent guidance, and I didn't get the pressure to spend $$$ when just $ would work.

I got
Dovo Special Tortise Shell in 6/8
SRD 3" Rock Hard wool with the standard black webbing for the 2nd material
.5 Micron Diamond Spray 4 oz

I placed my order on Friday afternoon PDT. The order was on my doorstep the following MONDAY. WOW!

I prepped the strop per the directions. It was tough to hold back from just going for a test run with my razor, but it was honed, not stropped, and I had to wait for the diamond spray to dry.

I found "Jockeys" on youtube.Awesome shaving tutorials, and Uber-Lather. Based on Jockeys input, I stopped in at the Mall and bought the Bigelows Shave Cream at Bath and Body Works.

I stopped at Wal-Mart and bought a shaving brush/bowl/soap kit for a little over $7. It's a boar brush, but it works for a newbie like me for now. I didn't have the glycerin tonight, but the Semi-Uber Lather came out nice anyway!

Tonight was my first attempt at shaving.

I stropped my razor, going slow, remembering all of the advice I found here and on youtube. I practiced getting the motion, the flip and the almost no pressure techinque.

I mixed up the Semi-Uber Lather in a big Starbucks coffee mug. I only needed a little lather because I wasn't going for my face tonight. I shaved the back of my left hand instead. A slash there would be easier to deal with, and easier to explain when people see it. Anyway...

I brused the foam on my hand...and put the blade to it. I really had to focus on the 'no pressure on the blade' warning. It was as if I had to employ a sniper 'BRASS' technique..Breathe...Relax...Aim...Slow Shave....

I now have a left hand that is hair-free and BBS.

Anyway, lathered and shaved it 3 times, 3 directions. No nicks, no blood. Felt pretty confident on the third round, but still took it VERY easy.

I'm hooked.

So thanks everyone who posted guidance on these forums. Thanks to Don and Lynn at SRD for making this a fun adventure. I *will* be back when I need my second razor.

ShakyHand