Well, I just finished my 5th shave. The first shave went pretty good considering. Two passes = one small nick. The second shave not quite as easy (improper stropping I assume). The next three got better each time. I nick the same spot each time because it's a bump so I'm expecting it (it doesn't even really bleed and when I wipe it it's gone). I got my Tabac in the mail and used it the last 2 times. What a difference! I should get my C.O. Bigelow Eucalyptus (proraso substitue) any day now to try also. I've got a really "coarse" beard that grows fairly fast (especially on the chin area) but ultra sensitive skin so I normally can't shave but every few days to keep from feeling like my face was on fire and someone put it out with a pick axe. The first thing I find interesting is that I have shaved every day so far since getting the razor. I know I shouldn't but I can't wait to see how I'm coming along with my technique. I also find it so much fun (for lack of a better word). The other thing I find interesting is that although my face can tell it's getting shaved too much it's nothing like if I'd been using the M3 every time. Actually I shave twice each time (WTG and XTG). I'm also getting very good shaves. I'm still not getting the hang of the ATG. It seems like the blade "grabs" too much and doesn't want to glide right. I'm not sure if I'm scared of cutting myself or just knowing it's going to irritate me to the max but I've not been doing it. I'm sure I will but not right now. Well, just thought I'd update my progress a little. Overall, I rather pleased with myself!! Oh, one more thing. Although my new strop was nice and new I rubbed in some Kiwi Leather conditioner and cleaner real well. I was surprised it didn't change the color of the leather (I applied quite a bit even though there was nothing to remove although I did wipe it with a towel). It really helped the results of the stropping. I'm using equal amounts of the canvas and then the leather (appx 30 each). Made quite a difference.