How long does it take to become generally successful?
How long does it take to avoid major gashes pretty much always?
- The first two questions pretty much go hand in hand. Depends on what you determine success to be. If it is a BBS shave every time, then I would say that it may be awhile. If you say that success is a good shave with a couple of minor nicks, no cuts, and not BBS; then that is achievable by taking your time and can be done pretty quickly. I will say that after doing this for some years, I still cut and nick myself especially when I am not paying attention (kid walks in and grabs my leg to show me something etc). In fact 3 days ago I put the razor on my face at the wrong angle and just touching it to my face incorrectly I cut my face.

How many shaves did it take before you knew you could do it?
- 1 - but I cut my self and had some stick-to-itness that drove me to keep trying until I got it right. I learned what not to do next time. I also realized that my razor pressure was too much causing me razor burn.

How many shaves would you endure before deciding you're not the target market for straight razors?
- This is an interesting question because I don't see commercials for straight razors with cute girls waggin their tails saying that if you shave with a straight you will get the money, car, and job like other things that have a defined "target market". I therefore think that the "target market" is those individuals who want to hold to tradition, and in some sense get a kick out of the history of straight razor shaving. With that said, it is my opinion that you would be the only one to decide if you are the "target market".

Stick with it, take your time, use a light touch, and pay attention. You will be fine.