Wildtim,

I understand your frustration--I've been trying to learn straight shaving off and on since this summer. I wound up going to a DE for a while, which got me off the Meh 3 and let me get good shaves without ripping my face off. (My first straight "shave" was with a disguised Pakistani razor that was sharp enough to work as a letter opener, but nothing else. It took several days before my face healed completely.)

Since you already shave with a DE, you've climbed part of the learning curve. You know how to prep your beard, so we can eliminate that as a source of the problem.

I agree that it sounds like the problem is a rolled edge.

If this is something you really want to do, don't give up yet. It seems like a lot to learn, and it is, but once you get the hang of everything you'll get a lifetime of inexpensive, enjoyable shaves.

The razors do require some upkeep, but it's not as bad as it seems. The first time I shaved I didn't wipe my blade dry. I set it down and came back 15 minutes later. Rust! You're kidding me. Well, since then I've wiped the blades carefully and haven't had a speck of rust. It's just a little routine you have to get used to. It's not burdensome, just different.

One suggestion I'd offer is to wipe the blade on a towel instead of rinsing it under the tap. It lets you see whether you're actually shaving hair off or just lather. It will prevent many dings like the one you experienced. (It also keeps the hinge area from getting wet, which prevents rust.)

We're with you all the way, man. And if you decide to chuck that gear in the trash, I've got a nice big bin you could use...

Josh