I too rinse off the blade like the OP throughout the shave, turning the faucet on and off in the process, but I haven't hit the faucet (yet?). I think the turning the faucet on part allows me additional time to get out of a mechanized motion and pay more attention to where the blade goes. I think it would be different if I kept the water running. After reading this thread I paid more attention to the entire process and find that I will roll my wrist to where the razor point faces toward the center of my body and then move to go under the faucet. For the "standard/common" grip on the razor, this places the spine leading, so it will hit first if at all. I like the towel idea for security though--although I admit the rubber whale is quite appealing.