Hello from SE New Mexico

I got started wet-shaving when my wife got me a brush and tube of C. O. Bigelow for Fathers Day. Started reading to see how to mix the lather and found i got a better shave than with canned. People were talking about straights so I stated asking around. Next thing I know I bought a Wright & Wilhemy made in Germany from an antique store. A friend had a hone his dad used when he used a straight so I sharpened it up and made a strop with leather bought from Hobby Lobby. Off for the first shave with a straight. Called the wife in and when I brought it to my face and it disappeared behind my hand I thought what the heck. Got it to my face and took that first stroke. And it was painful pulling whiskers as it went. I have bought a Norton 4K 8K combo and have gotten it sharp and have had several better shaves. Have found the lather needs to be way different from a cartridge than a straight. I think I am getting closer there also. Looking forward to my shaves getting better with each one.

Welcome aboard. Good to see another from N.M. Enjoy the site.

I'm pretty new to str8s also but hang in there. It gets easier and more enjoyable as you progress and develope through the learning curve. I, myself, have a long trek yet haha. Welcome to SRP. The Wiki section has a wealth of great information that will keep you busy for days on end learning the ropes. Here if you need help with anything.
-Dan

Thank you thebigspender and facialdirt. There is so much to learn from everyone here. Like someone said there are so many parts to a good shave that if one is off your shave is off. Is there one thing that you should keep constant that makes everything else easier?

No problem. If one thing needs to be constant, I would suggest it be your focus. Make sure you are by yourself and there are no distractions around. Maybe play calm somewhat quiet music in the background. I have a candle that calms me down, as funny as that sounds.. The other half of focusing is not rushing. Take your time and don't start a str8 shave unless you have plenty of time.
If I had to pick the most important physical aspect, I would probably say blade angle or stropping. The Wiki has a description of the blade angles needed for the different passes. Learn the direction of hair growth in the different sections of you face.
I generally keep the spine one width of it from my face when WTG and on it for others.

Btw, your wife got you the perfect ahaving cream. C.O. Bigelow is great!