First Two Straight Shaves

So I got a new Dovo Carre for Christmas. Been really looking forward to getting started straight razor shaving. Naturally I had been researching for about a month or so before getting the razor and kept reading about the learning curve. I have to admit, I didn't think it would be this hard. I am very glad I have read about how much time it takes to become proficient at straight shaving because if not I think I'd be so discouraged I might quit. However, understanding that it is practically an art and takes time to perfect (if possible) motivates me even more.
Anyway, my first two shaves with my new straight don't even constitute true shaves in my book. Just did my cheeks with a slight attempt on the jaw line and front of my chin, all to no real avail. The whiskers shaved a little,but not much.Being that I am a BBS addict, I have to finish off with my normal razor. Pretty sure my angle is good. I keep it pretty small and my razor was professionally honed before I shaved with it. I know its gonna get better, just staying determined. I have plenty of room to get better at every aspect of the shave:stropping, lather making, and of course shaving. I love every minute of it!

Keep it up, it takes a while to make real progress. I started shaving my whole face just because I read so many times I should only do my cheeks. I am a little rebelious lol. I'm sure my rebelious side caused me a couple more cuts that normal. Still have a long way to go before I consider myself an expert. Just have fun and enjoy your shaves and know that there is a learning curve so dont get discouraged. Now I go several weeks before I do any real "cuts", usually when I start to get over confident.

Congrats on your first shaves. I am pretty new as well; but with concentration, practice and tons of reading you will steadily improve with each shave. My advice from one newbie to another is stretch your skin as much as possible (do not underestimate the importance), use as small of an angle as possible, take short confident strokes, and if you are in doubt, relather.

Best of luck with your future shaves and welcome

Just started a week ago myself and did not follow Lynn's advice to just do the cheeks for a while, and have wound up cutting myself more than I would like. I now plan to take a step back and just do cheeks for a week or so and add maybe one area of the face every day or every other day.

Got some great advice from a couple board members already about making sure skin is taught, and not using too much pressure.

I also like Lynn's comments when he counsels new straight razor users -- he reminds us we have the rest of our lives to enjoy this hobby, so just take it slow, do a little at a time, and enjoy the ride.

Just play with the angle of your blade and the amount of pressure you are using. Stretching your skin is very important as mentioned above. Not all skin stretching involves physically grabbing your face and pulling. I use face muscles to tighten certain parts of my face and sometimes puff my cheeks just enough. Holding your head in different positions helps as well. Keep it up!!! It doesn't take long. Keep posting here and let us know how its coming.