I jumped in head first with a big buy at SRD and went back again to get a second strop and some CrO to sharpen a blade that I managed to dull with poor stropping technique. I've been working on lathering and shaving technique which, at this point, consists of getting to know which way my hair is growing, managing the pressure of the blade on my face, figuring out angles of attack, and stretching. I'm still getting a few nicks here and there, mostly on the moles that I can't seem to help but shave over. I think I'm coming to terms with having to shave around or at the very least be a bit careful in the vicinity of these anomalies.

Yesterday I took a good long shave and did 3 passes and manged BBS in several areas: with, across and against the grain. I sliced the moles but was otherwise clean. I have fairly sensitive skin though and that was a lot for my face to handle. I used a fair bit of aftershave and the discomfort subsided.

Today was the breakthrough: after yesterday's close shave and tight for time this morning, I decided I really just needed a touch up and not a full-on shave. I wet my face and applied Shave Secret oil and touched up without lather - this worked very well. I managed no nicks primarily because I could see everything I was shaving and managed to go gently on moles, etc. Ended up very smoothly shaven again and with NO NICKS FOR THE FIRST TIME SO FAR! Very pleased.

Tomorrow may be back to a full on shave with lather. Going to try to pay attention and keep it nice and slow to avoid nicks. My strategy may be to do full on shaves followed by a maintenance shave with oil only - at least until I get better at shaving.

Best,
David