Hello,
I am just getting starting straight razor shaving. I took it up briefly maybe 20 years ago, but I think I got frustrated and put the razor away - unfortunately didn't think to dry it and it rusted so my wife pitched it.

Anyway, I gave myself a Dovo Bismarck for Christmas and Walkin' Horse strop, so have finished my first week of straight razor shaving. I only cut myself a couple times the first shave, and seems like I am cutting myself more now than a week ago. Maybe I'm getting overconfident!

I have read on this site that too much pressure may be the culprit so will try to watch this.

The other thing I'm struggling with is trying to figure out when to switch hands, when to use which hand, etc. I don't mind using my left (non-dominant) hand, but in watching a number of videos, some folks use their left hand for everything on the left side of their face, but others use their left hand on the left cheek but use the right hand for the neck, for example - so I guess everyone adopts their own technique.

Along those lines, I am also trying to figure out how to visualize the area I'm shaving better - esp on the neck. Seems like I am always craning my neck to try to see where I'm at.

Anyway, a mostly fun journey so far! I like the self-reliant aspects of straight-razor shaving -- i.e. buying the equipment you need to "do it yourself." I would like to get a hone but figure it's best to just concentrate on shaving technique for now.

I am glad to be part of this forum. Looks like a wealth of info and experience here.