Been shaving as much as I can now that my arm is healing. I am at the point now where i can get a good lather and strop, then get a decent shave. I have nicked my face a few times, some worse than others, and my strop has suffered a few nicks, but hey, thats how you learn. Styptic pen comes in handy. ;)
Remaining optimistic, especially since today I tried against the grain and came out with the cleanest smoothest shave i have ever shaved. :)