Well the first shave is done. I think it went pretty darn well for a first time. Used a Dovo 'best quality' razor, Van Der Hagen Luxury soap and Brush. Started with just below the sideburns and cheeks. That went well so I did my neck with no cuts or weepers. Sooo I did the rest of the face, incident free. With grain only, didn't want to get too crazy lol. Overall I'm pretty darn satisfied for a first timer.
I was actually more nervous about the after stropping than the actual shave. Took the stropping nice and slow, making sure to keep the spine down. We'll find out next shave exactly how I did.