Well, after 12 days and 6 shaves, I managed my first complete shave with a straight - 2 passes and no touch-up with the cartridge. Best of all, no blood! The alum block did still sting a wee bit, but no visible nicks. No BBS by any means, but I'm quite happy with the result.

I was starting to worry a little as after my first couple of attempts my face was starting to resemble a butchers block - lots of nicks and lots of blood.

Just need to start working on the ATG now.