Quote Originally Posted by ReardenSteel View Post
Welcome to SRP. The kit that you bought, did the razor come to you "shave ready", meaning it was honed by hand by someone who knows how to? If you have not done so already, be sure to read Lynn's post, found in the beginners links on the home page, First Straight Shave. Just start by shaving your cheeks for now and finish up with your previous shaving method. Add new portions a little at a time as you gain confidence and muscle memory. There is a learning curve, but if you have the patience, you will learn. Don't worry about making mistakes, that's how we learn. The chin and neck seem to be the most problematic for most new straight shavers. For me, it took a couple of months before I was able shave my entire face with just a straight. I was not BBS by a long shot, but that comes with lots of practice. Hang in there, read and practice. Post questions.
Yes, the razor I bought was honed to 'shave ready' from where I bought it. They ship all their new razors honed to shave ready and offer one free honing when you need it.

Thanks for the tips. Yes, certain areas feel easier to do. I can do my neck surprisingly well.. both WTG and ATG... I am really confused about how to do XTG. My cheeks are usually not a big problem except on one side of my face near the top. Above the lip is getting better but still a lot of cuts in the nose area and the chin is by far the most difficult. Your suggestion to focus on the areas that are easier and use a regular razor on the rest is a good one. Would you say I should use the regular razor on the difficult areas and then do a delicate pass with my straight so that I continue to get a feel for it?

Thanks for responding!

Ryan