So... I shaved for the first time yesterday, and I used a straight. It was one that I have been restoring, I put an edge on it just to shave, as my facial hair was getting too long. Luckily, because my facial hair is still pretty thin and soft, I did not need any preparation. I used a cheap brush and soap, however I got a nice lather from it. I did 1 pass WTG on the sides and neck, and 2 passes (WTG & ATG) around my mouth area (as I had more hair there).

I had the most trouble on the bottom of the sides of my jaw and the easiest parts were probably my cheeks and chin. The worst part of shaving with a straight would have had to be cutting the top off a pimple and the small nicks I got, none of them actually bled, but just turned red.

Kit:

Solingen Razor (A&A MFG)
Cheap Synthetic Brush
Mysore Pure Sandalwood Soap
Some Random Moisturiser
Old Nicked Strop
Some Slate Stone I found (works as a coti hone, still haven't figured out an approx. grit)

Anyway, it was good fun.

Joundill