In my intro I let you guys know I've been wet shaving with DE razors for about a year - I'm also a head shaver.

Armed with my new 6/8 Bismark straight razor, Lynns DVD, a decent strop and what's going to turn out to be 400 pounds styptic I'm off to a frustrating start.

I do the hot towel twice, use Taylor of Bond Street shave cream (rose or lavander) and go slow. But I feel the razor drag and pull most of the time. This has got to be my lousy technique and no fault of the razor which came pre sharpened and honed.

After my first shave (yesterday) I thought I had done pretty well, 5 minutes later my face and neck burned like hell and I looked like Leather Face from the Texas Chainsaw Massacre.

Ok, I splash on some Thayers witchhazel, the redness fades and the only parts of my face that I seem to have done a good job with was the cheek area.

Same deal today. The blade just doesnt 'glide" like a Feather DE but I've done the hair test and know the straight is sharp. I try to keep a 30 degree angle and read a post on this forum to keep the edge out from your skin the width of the spine - I'll try that tomorrow.

Sorry for the long winded post but any suggestions, tips and advice would sure be appreciated

Thanks