A good sharp straight can do wonders, just make sure it is professionaly honed and shave ready and READ THE WIKI It will make things go much much smoother. You may also try picking you some CO Biglow (<$10) shaving cream from BBW it may be easier to lather than the VDH. I started the with the VDH and am now a 99% CO Biglow. Good Luck, Watch your angles and use a very very light hand.