Straight razor shaving really isn't that difficult once you get the angle correct, and the feeling that the razor is just an extension of your hand. There is nothing like the feel of just the right sharpness of the blade being passed over your face (especially one that you have honed yourself). I started off with 12 nicks on my face the first day, but by God, when I walked out of the bathroom, bloody alum block in hand, I was grinning from ear to ear at the feeling of accomplishment.

I had shaved with a straight edge without killing myself.

Today, I can shave myself twice in under 15 mins (although I usually like to take a bit longer for pleasure...I love trying out new hand positions while smelling one of my favorite lathers). All this without a single cut or nick. There is a lot that can be said about straight shaving that is downright magical. But one needs to have the patience to see the show happen. When you do finnaly get the wet BBS feel on your face without any razor burn or a single nick, you'll experience the one of the most exclusive nirvanas on earth.

Trust me.

Keep at it.