Okay, so this was actually my 2nd time with a straight to my face.
I was in there, and did a nice long stroke on the cheek. Then onto the other. Then I said, let's do under the lip. And the chin. All downward N-S, mind you. I said, go for it! Let's do the neck. I ended up doing short strokes on it.
I got done and said, WOW! My face is still attached. Now, for an attempt at another pass. How bad can it be? So, I relathered and went for it. This time, S-N...going up. MUCH slower. Everything was a short pass. Hard to find out how to angle the blade and where to place it, not angle it per se. But, coming up the cheek you have to really keep in mind the size of the blade, otherwise part of it will go across your ear. Or somewhere else you don't want it to.
I think it was my pressure, or lack thereof; but I felt a tugging or pulling of the hairs. The blade was shave ready. I did a few practice passes on my strop prior to my shave, surely I didn't dull it down...could I have? It did cut hair though. Should HHT be done after each strop?
The chin was a pain. I could shave down, but not up. Just couldn't figure out how to angle the blade and hold it right. So, I came in from the sides to knock that down.
Trying to not dig the blade into my skin and find correct placement, along with anxiety had me a touch shakey. I got 3 teeny weeny nicks on the 2nd pass. I can live with that.
I had no bumps but just a little irritation if you will. Not bad at all.
When you are finished...what is the best thing to do? Some strop. But is just wiping your blade down real well good and ready for storage? Or should it stay out a little to dry? How would you store it? I'd be afraid to leave it out and open for fear of it falling and damaging the blade.
Thanks everyone! Happy Shaves!