Hello everyone, just received my first straight razor in the mail this morning purchased from SRD and it is a dovo stainless 5/8" in buffalo horn scales (not the big curved ones). The razor looks beautiful in it's simplicity which is what i like and has an extremely sharp edge which i presume was honed by lynn? If so, thanks Lynn!

The first shave: I am new to straight shaving but have been using a Merkur 33c with feather blades for a few years now so i'm not a complete noob to wet shaving, that said, i found my first straight shave quite difficult compared to a DE shave. I have been watching videos on youtube on how to use the razor and have read quite a few "how to" guides. I lathered up with Tabac and started on the right cheek as i am right handed. It felt a bit weird but i managed to shave my right cheek quite easily without any nicks and it was pretty close. now to the left side which felt very weird and i think my grip may have been wrong as i don't trust my left hand with the blade yet. Left cheek was slightly harder but still achieved a close shave there. Now i know many people recommend only shaving the cheeks the first time then finishing up with whatever your used to but i was determined to get a full WTG straight shave first time and earned myself a few minor nicks for my trouble, haha. needless to say the neck area needed a going over with the old DE to finish up.

All in all my first straight shave was about what i expected it to be and i figure i just need a fair bit more practice to get better as with anything. If anyone has any tips for me id be glad to hear them.

Thanks