I bought my razor at Vintage Blades... Lynn Abrams is their Master Honer and all my research says he's one of the best in the US.

My prep was a hot shower, hair conditioner, badger brush and Col. Conk's almond soap. When I lathered up, because I was being so cautious, I was shaving very slowly and the lather on my face would dry up, but I just kept putting more on. Don't know if this affect your shave. I tried to figure out beforehand, the grain of my beard, but it went in so many different directions I couldn't keep track! Shaving around my goatee kind of prevented me from shaving WTG on the 1st pass, XTG on the 2nd, and ATG on the 3rd, and 4th, 5th, 6th... in problem spots. I guess pushed the envelope a little too much, but I was really looking forward to that smoothness everyone talks about!

As for the spike point, while I had a decent grip on the blade, I had to contort it so much to get around my goatee that, as slow as I was shaving, I definitely would have done some serious damage. I'll go for the spike after I gain better control and confidence!

Thanks for the advice... I'll search for more specific info on shaving around a goatee/mustache and I'll be back for more!!

Joe