Ok...I almost have all my stuff...I think I still need an alum block and a hone as my blades have a few mini nicks....and I can feel a slight tug...I bought a travel pack from the AOS store this weekend in Sandlewood....so here's just some thoughts as I'm shaving.....

I need more practice with the strop...that is for sure! At first I was nervous to start my first stroke and sure enough I nicked myself! Not a major bleeder but first blood...just wiped it clean and continued on....I found that if the full body of the blade touched my face it would stick....so I knew my angle was too close? Also I found that the AOS shaving cream dried pretty quick (and I'm slow)...but all I did was add a little water to my brush and reapplied....once i got past the first nick it was all go! Did both cheeks...my neck...and my upper lower lip....I only did WTG not ATG as this was my first shave....the only sensitive area I feel right now is the upper lip....dang the neck is tricky as I can't see to see what the heck i'm doing looking up...and how in the heck can you stretch your face when you shave when the shaving cream is slippery? Well I love the shave! It's not BBS yet...but I'll get there with some patience....

thoughts? advice? I know I should read up more...but I'm more of a hands on type of learner...