We see lots of discussion here about things like pyramids and variations of pyramids. And I'm sure if you worked through one you would eventually get your razor keen.

At the same time I don't know how many posts we see by newbies who start a pyramid on a new razor that maybe needed a little touch up, and they end up ruining it to the point where they need to be rescued.

So, I'm asking: What initial assessment do you make (what procedure do you follow) to decide where to start when you first pick up a razor?