Had my 3rd shave with a straight razor ( safety of course)and one thing I found was that there are no short cuts to using a straight razor.
As a beginner again after 22 years you simply can't take short cuts.
Prep/lather/1st pass/2nd or xtg/post shave are so important to making this a lifelong memorable experience.
Even down to the way in which you stretch your skin can have detrimental effect on the closeness of shave, burn/rash and of course nicks.
I also found that because I'm starting to take care and respecting the art that is straight razor shaving is that It takes patience, skill and lot of cuts/nicks to even get remotely any good.
As I'm a keen golfer I have now taken my routine to the shaving sink.
Not being anal or obsessive compulsive disorder but taking your time and enjoying the experience of the shave.
Any comments are really welcome.
Ta Steady