Hello. Im new here and new to straight razor shaving. I just shaved for the first time yesterday, and I was using a back up blade my buddy had. I think he got it for really cheap off amazon just to have as a back up. (His regular blade is a Dovo Bismark.)

I had no problem on my cheeks and sideburns, but i had problems with it pulling really bad where my beard was thicker around the chin and neck. I actually had to finish my neck with my Mach 3. HA! I still enjoyed it and I am looking forward to getting used to doing this. I just ordered a Dovo Ebony Silver Steel from VintageBladesLLC along with their house brand strop. Anyone have experience with either of these? I am using Williams Brand Soap from CVS along with the boar hair brush they had. Is this a decent beginner set up? I have been reading about Williams soap and I know that it requires more water than other soaps. Anything else that is easily accessible that would be better for me to use?

I have watched Lynns DVD and many other videos, so hopefully I wont make too many beginner mistakes!!