Well for those of you who care:

After a number of shaves (I lost count, but generally ever other day), things are going very well. I picked up my straight and since then no other type of razor has touched my face. I have been using the razor that Lynn had given to me, and I cherish it. I bought another from Bill so that I could give this one a break and not used it ALL the time.

Sure I still have those few spots on the face and neck that without doubt I'll nick almost every time, and yes I am still having some isses due to nicking myself with the corner of that square edge, but I will figure that out all in good time.

I have the stropping thing under control and even used Tony's pasted strop once and it worked very well...although I did have one instance when I wasnt paying attention and probably shaved off a bit of that diamond paste however I cant tell a difference.

So I guess once I get comfortable with Tonys pasted strop I will take the plunge into honing a razor...but all in good time. I am barely home enough to used the pasted strop for now.

At any rate...all in all things are great and thanks to everyone for all the help along the way. And a very special thanks to Lynn for helping me get started with the actual shaving!