Okay guys,

I finally had my first self administered straight razor shave the other night, and I found something very interesting. First of all, I could not wait for my soaps and creams to get here, so I just went ahead and used the can goo that I had on hand. I laid out several razors that I have purchased over the lat couple of weeks and began.

After getting out of the shower, I applied the warmed canned goo to my face. Then I picked up my Wagner Jung "Silver Steel" 5/8 extra hollow razor and started shaving. It took me a while to realize that I needed to increase the angle that I was holding the razor at, but once I did that things went a little easier. I also tried a couple other 5/8 hollow ground razors that I had laid out with about the same feel and results. Then, I pulled out a no name, 13/16 hollow groud razor that is much heavier than the others, and all of the sudden I was shaving like a pro(comparatively speaking).

Now, this razor isn't the sharpest razor of the lot, but it was by far the easiest to shave with. Is this because of the heavier grind? I think I may be starting to understand why so many of you like the bigger heavier razors.

If it helps any of you to evaluate the scenario, my beard is very tough and wirey. After two shaves with a Mach 5 or a Fusion refill, I have to throw them away.

Any help you boys can offer would be appreciated.

Thanks!