This is for the new guys out there...from another newbie. I've been using a straight fro about a month now. Just got back from a week long vacation and didn't bring the straight kit, used a cartridge once during the week, but have been thinking about straight technique during the week.

The two items that I have been thinking about are angle and pressure. When I got home last night, after three days growth, I was anxious to get the razor out and see if my mind set would improve my shave. Got the angle of the razor really low and and used a ridiculously low amount of pressure. When I say low pressure, I mean no pressure at all.

I'm still learning, but here's what happened with the no pressure shave - Quality was on par with my current ability, still had to touch up with a cartridge on the chin and upper lip. Zero nicks and while using the alum block, no sting at all.

It feels like I really turned a corner in the learning process and stoked the desire to keep using a straight.

So for the fellow newbies out there, on your next shave really focus on the pressure (or lack there of). I suspect you'll be amazed at the results.

Good Luck!