Okay, so this is what it's like! Third shave was the charm.

My first two shaves were "okay" and typical first shaves for a straight: no major bloodletting, but not much whisker removal, either. I was actually starting to think my razor was too dull. It's just a cheap "no-name" vintage straight I got on ebay that was supposed to be shave ready.

I actually emailed Lynn about getting it honed. The razor seemed to be pulling a bit on my second shave. Lynn responded and said no problem on the honing, but suggested I try it again and really concentrate on the angle and technique.

Just what the doctor ordered. My stropping is getting a little better, I think, and by paying close attention to my angles and taking my time, I was able to get a passable shave today without having to resort to a DE to finish. Yoo-hoo!!!

Now, my shave is still far from world class, but I am starting to get the hang of the angles and feel more confident in wielding the razor. Definitely feel like I turned a corner today.