Hello all,
I am new to the forum - having just posted an introduction last week - and I would like to thank everybody for the great information and tips! Like many I have read about here, I decided to jump into the SR world because I wanted to reconnect with this seemingly "lost" art form and distance myself from the buy-it-and-throw-it-away attitude that has permeated our culture. Plus, if you have to do something, I figure you might as well do it with some class.

Starting out I have had - and am still having - quite a learning process as I become more acquainted with these new skill sets. Coming to the end of my second week of straight razor shaving, I have had an epiphany. My first shave was, well, rather dodgy. My second was better, but still not great. Third better, and so-forth. Last night's shave was absolute heaven.

The epiphany I had was exactly what everybody hear has been saying all along: Slow down, enjoy the experience. I thought I had learned to sufficiently "slow down," but I was mistaken. I did my usual pre-shave prep, lathered up (SRD West Indies Bay - wonderful stuff) and went to work. For some reason I did not actually think about shaving, but only the way the razor was gliding along my face and neck. Slow and deliberate.

Before I knew it, I was done, (In almost half the time strangely enough) and with quite possibly the best shave I have ever had in my life! I think I may have finally stumbled upon what you guys have been saying all along. I realize now that I still have not truly learned to dismiss today's fast and hectic approach to life. Now that I have had it once I want it again.