It was in the back of my mind all yesterday and early this morning, that my rookie luck would come to an end. So I began today’s shave doubly cautious, and very prepared.

Started with a hot shower, and when done, immediately applied the Proraso pre/post. Laid out the Tabac stick, my Vulfix 2234, the Dovo Special 6/8, and the bottle of Tabac AS.

Decided to break from my norm and do a face later. And no additional products added to the lather in the form of Skinfood or glycerin - straight up soap stick.

Initial lather was warm, cushiony, and very prodigious. I like the smell of the Tabac as well. Can’t place it, kind of leathery. Had I needed it, there was probably enough soap in the brush for 5 reapplications. Just a flick of water, and some swirling to the face, and the lather was a good as the first coat.

Spent last night working on my stropping, so the blade was ready to do it’s thing.

Ready to go, I grabbed the blade, and started schwacking. WTG/XTG - and Bam! BBS, with no burn, no blood. 2 days in a row. Niiiiice.

The mole that was neglected last time got special attention and care, and the area surrounding it cleaned up real nice. Only issue this time was some missed whiskers under my left nostril. Instead of touching it up with the DE, I’ll hit it with the straight tomorrow.

Finished with a thin coat of Proraso pre/post, and a healthy dose of Tabac aftershave.

As a note to my other beginners brothers: I am posting my ramblings to let you know - if I can do this… you can too.

And a recurring thought resonates with me - For hundreds of years, if you chose to be clean-shaven, you would have HAD to use a straight razor (or be shaved by a barber using one). Of course technology has made things easier and faster, but not necessarily BETTER. I know this because I have never had so much fun shaving. I really am enjoying this ritual. Honestly, it’s easy and worth it! Take the leap!