Quote Originally Posted by nickyspaghetti View Post
True, I don't know how it is possible to explain many principles in words. When there are so many variables it is hard to know which are the most important to teach really.
Everyone comes into it with a different experience and knowledge applicable toward shaving. Some have only used electric razors and don't know from experience anything about angle, stroke, pressure, etc. Others have been straight shaving for some time and have developed poor habits, and need this or that information. However, the person who needs one bit of information will read the solution to someone else's issues and try to apply it to their own without understanding they really need to try this or that first.

And if that's confusing, I may have answered your original question even more directly than I initially hoped, hahaha.

Anyway, if the question is what principle is most important to teach first to someone just starting to use a straight razor, then the answer is:

Safety first! ie. disinfect! watch the sharp end! be prepared! don't slice with the razor, don't play with the razor, don't mash the razor into your face, don't leave razors where other people can play with them, etc etc