This is an easy one, never rush, especially when you're new. That blade deserves respect and if you don't give it, it will tell you when you don't. In my first year using a straight, I was shaving before my Dad and I hit the links for a fathers day game of golf. I was late and tried rushing through a quick shave. Took a flap of skin off my chin and then couldn't get the stupid thing to stop bleeding. The first 3 holes of golf I had to keep a tissue on hand to wipe the blood.