Actually, I'm not a beginner to shaving; I am 58 years old, but I am new to using a "Safety Razor". I've always used a brush and soap, but they were usually cheapies (Eveready). Foams just didn't seam to cut it for me and when I tried an electric razor, it tore my face up. So it was brush, soap, and Gillette Trac 2s since college, however; I purchased a Merkur 38C HD and a Boar's Bristle brush. Been using it all for a week now. I actually look forward to shaving in the mornings and beleive it or not, I think I'm getting as close a shave as I was with the ole Gillette 2 blade cartridges.