Well, I had my first proper shave this morning and I want to say that I am extremely happy with the results and with the feeling of relaxation as I write this. The only things I can equate shaving with a straight to is working out and racing. Why? Because they both require complete attention to the task at hand. Mindfulness is what zen masters are always going on about and shaving can bring you to that in seconds! No need to sit on Mt. Everest for decades!

So here's what I learned about having a successful first shave:

1. You got your razor off ebay or at a thrift store or from granpaw...great! Admire the shiny surface and give it a test on your arm-hair... It's awesome!

2. PUT IT AWAY...and go to The Whipped Dog and order the "sight unseen" kit. It contains everything you need for a succesful first shave with a straight including a true "shave ready" razor. Why? Because no matter how sharp that ebay razor seems and how many sheets of paper it cuts like butter IT IS NOT READY TO SHAVE!!! You will think straight razor shaving is too hard to get right, or worse, you will cut the crap out of yourself!

3. While you wait for your razor to arrive, read read read and watch the videos available on You Tube and right here. You have a few days to read up and at least have an idea of what you're in for.

4. When your package arrives, check out all the goodness inside and read all the stuff he sent... seriously fellas....RTFM... there are viens and arteries involved! Not to mention how AWESOME shaving with a straight is if you do it right!

5. I found it was better to give my beard a few days to grow for that first shave, you might be different, but I thought having three days growth made it easier for me...you might be different.

6. Take a hot shower first! It's the only way a newbie can be sure to prepare the beard correctly! (plus you're due for a shower, stinky)

7. TAKE YOUR TIME!!! Once you're out of the shower, take a breath, relax, prepare the lather, RELAX... go slow... you've read all the "first shave" guides and posts on here, right? Enjoy the process.

8. The next day, send that ebay/thrift store/granpaw razor off to get professionally honed so that it's back by the time you need a freshly honed razor.

9. Get ready for shave number two! "Learning to Strop!"