Well, some time ago, I bought my first SR. I also then bought another. Both were honed to perfection, and I followed instructions on stropping and such. I use a badger brush, and was using D.R. Harris Lavender shaving soap. I would wash my face, and then shave. Although I got a close clean shave, I have the hardest time going with the grain on my neck (it's sideways) Also my upper lip area is difficult. If I go across the grain on my neck it hurts and it feels like its pulling. I took a hiatus from the SRS. I currently use a Gillette sensor excel Since it is the closest thing I could find to a single blade (2 blades) Now I wash my face, and use Geo F Trumpers lime skin food, lime shaving creme, and then shave then reapply the skin food as an after soothing type of deal. What are your thoughts? I mean I know SRS can be used on everyone, since it was the only way for years. Am I just being a whiny little girl or am I justified in stopping for a bit?