So I did my first shave today!

A couple things I took away from the experience:
I need to learn to make a better lather. Though maybe I just need to try a different way

The razor tugged and pulled a little more than expected

I might just be really lucky that I didn't cut myself at all... ( I hope I didn't just jinx myself)

Shaving is way more enjoyable this way!

My skin got irritated BUT no bumps. Usually I end up with bumps on the left side of my neck.

The irritation could be 1) poor preparation 2) poor technique 3) not the best lather 4) all of the above

I did not get that "baby's bottom" smooth shave but I only shaved with the grain and I'm going to stay that way until my technique is alot better. Even so, running my hand along the grain feels smooth

Overall it was a great experience. I only shaved my neck, which I imagine is going to be harder to learn on than the whole face. I think my lather needs alot of work but it definitely got better as the shave went on and I kept working on it. I think I got lucky that I did not cut myself at all, though I made a very conscious effort about my blade angle which may have helped. I did ZERO stropping today. NONE. But that is because I ordered from SRD and my razor came already honed and it was mentioned that I wouldn't have to strop before my first shave. I will be stropping before my next shave. I didn't want to "ruin" the blade because of poor stropping before my first shave so I figured it would be best to wait.

Just wanted to share my thoughts and experience. I can't wait to continue on this journey!