Hey all,

Its been about a month since I started with a straight - a Dovo Bismarck from SRD. I've used it exclusively for the past month - not going back to the DE save for touching things up.

The results are good, though I'm mildly irritated and have a lovely collection of sideways slices and nicks. They're not so noticeable now. I'm shaving about 3 days in a row, and am getting near-DE results, but I can't say its a comfortable shave as I still have to get my stropping down better (breakthru today) and learn to wield the blade a little better on the neck.

The shaves take a while (15 min). ATG is tough, and I find I'm going over spots many times to get them clean. But as time goes on I'm finding the angles and things are slowly getting better. This is about the same way things went when I switched to a DE a couple of years ago.

Interestingly, I picked up the trick here on the forums of splashing witch hazel on prior to lathering - made a huge difference, as did the colder lather. Also was trying out Sharp's 'Kid Glove' aftershave, but ditched it and went back to Baxter's and all is well again in my world.

I'll keep going with the straight for now. I knew there was going to be a learning curve, but so far I'm encouraged by my progess.

Cheers!
Judd