Back in the late '90s I dabbled in a side business as a knife dealer. I had wholesale access to many things sharp, and that's when I became interested in straight razors. I did as much research as I could back then, bought a couple of cheapies in antique shops, and gave 'er hell. A few razors I could get to shave decently, and more I could not seem to bring back. I became bored for awhile, and when the interest came back I decided to buy a "GOOD" razor and see if it helped. That was the TI, followed soon thereafter by the Dovo. It did make a difference, but I knew it could be better. Then came the water stone to go with my strop instead of the plethora of diamond bench stones in my garage. Better. The water stone has put a mirror edge on a few show knives over the years, so it was a dual purpose purchase. As I stated above, I've been doing this for 8 years, off and on, and I feel my technique is about as good as it's going to get without outside advice. I'd estimate probably 500 shaves or so, maybe more, and I'm pretty comfortable. I just can't seem to get my friggin chin tight enough without rash/burn. I will continue and hopefully it will get better. I try taking more time and being gentle around the chin, but gentle doesn't seem to shave, and taking more time results in more passes ~ more burn. Don't get me wrong, I know I'm in effect a novice, and that's why I decided to get involved with the board. I had a chat with a local barber this morning. I don't usually go to barbers as my wife cuts my hair, but I dropped by to see if he does straight shaves. Nope. He's afraid of all the bugs flying around the world these days. He's 75 and has been running his shop in the same spot for 49 years. Cool old dude too. He told me that he shaves with a straight and seemed to remember that he forgot to shave this morning, so he offered to go though his routine right there for my benefit. I appreciated the effort but didn't walk away with much new knowledge. He first lathered his carbon stone with his mug and brush, gave the razor a few quick strokes, then "floppy stropped" it. I mean he didn't have the strop taut at all. I asked him about that and he said it didn't matter. He put a hot towel on his face for a few, lathered his face and neck, then went to town. Never stretched any skin. All one handed, like he was standing in the shower with a mach 3. Almost as fast too. Downward to the jawline up top, upward to the jawline underneath. Done. He then proceeded to put Jeris Hair Tonic on his face.:roll: I asked him about closeness and pulling the skin tight, and his response was that's too close. If you rub down and it feels smooth, that's close enough. "If that's not close enough for her, find another girl." Funny old dude too. He said to bring my razor by sometime and shave there, he'd watch and offer advice. Not too sure I'll take him up on that, but I'll likely drop by to have a cup of coffee with him from time to time. Well enough rambling for now. I'm gonna try and not let my interest wane this time. Leaving the bic in the drawer too. I'll get this chin thing down eventually. Thanks again guys. Good replies