Okay from one beginner to another, the best advice you will get bar none is contained right here.

You really want ot shave with a straight, you have bought your first striaght and are waiting for that first shave, or your 5 shaves in and working out the bugs. The best thing you can do is watch the board here for a meetup in your area and go to it. If there are no meetups in your area coming up see if there is a SR member in your area willing to meet for a coffee.

I have met 1 on 1 with one individual and learned what I thought was a ton in that brief 1-2 hour visit. lots of little things from stropping to shaving became so much clearer when chatting face to face. My shaves improved instantly.

Yesterday we had the first Toronto Area meet-up. Again i learned so much just talking and having a beer together. Some little things i was working through were answered. Some things I thought i was doing fine with, got better. it was not just the questions i was asking, hearing others questions and feedback was a huge help too.

The feedback from the group seems to show everyone came away with something and us beginners came away with loads of knowledge

Do not be intimidated by lack of experience, this is honestly the best way to move yourself ahead by miles.