MC, you're in the slot for having the best shaves of your life very soon. ATG the first shave? Many are thinking unkind things about you out of jealousy Bravo on an incredible first shave. Skullz tells you right about blade angle. You mention flex - and I've not measured the Boker Eidelweiss, but the Leaders (your friend's blade) are heavenly extra hollows (< .010"). Run into heavy timber? Drop the angle a bit. A few wks from now, look at the 'advanced strokes' called 'scything' or 'guillotine' strokes. It comes in handy in heavy timber, and their use is more gentle on the edge.

Glen's (gssixgun) 3/11 beginner's thread on strops & stropping is REALLY helpful. To put it mildly, stropping didn't come easily for me.

With this good a start, I'd say we can get the net. This one's hooked. Enjoy every minute.