I'm happy to report that my first visit with The General was bloodless. The blade was a bit awkward to my hand, but I kind of expected that because I've never used a kamisori before.

It's not the greatest shave, partly due to my technique - or lack of - and part to some difficulties I had trying to get an angle. Admittedly I cheated and used the "wrong" side of the blade at times. With any luck I will figure out the whole angle thing before we have to part company.

The shave felt a little "pully" at times; trying different angles somewhat alleviated that, but I don't have the hang of it yet. Again, time will tell.

I have less than stellar shaving on my upper lip, and a spot on the neck. The rest is very smooth, although not BBS except for the side of the jaws which turned out exceptionally smooth. Not much burn, but I have some heat on the right upper lip and on the left side of my neck. No redness, though, but I felt the sting when I rubbed the alum block.

I've found out my razors are mean to me right of the hone, and after a shave or two they start mellowing. Being the first one I assume the edge is stone fresh, and hope that The General will smooth out. I did strop 20 linen and 20 leather before the shave, and 20 linen afterward.

This could be the beginning of something special.