about an hour ago I completed my first straight razor shave. I used a 6/8 DOVO classic "special" from classicshaving.com and used a TI paddle sharpening strop with DOVO 6 micron and 2-4 micron pastes before shaving and I'd say I did a pretty good job for the first time. No major bleeders and no missed patches although the entire jaw line and chin on the left side of my face was raw and bloody. I used the AOS 4 essentials kit and was very displeased, it felt like shaving through gum paste (maybe it is my water). I think that the preshave oil is primarily to blame for the gummyness, I'll try it with just shaving soap next time and see if I am less raw. I felt really manly shaving with a straight razor too, so bonus there . My biggest problem was a shaving angle that was too shallow, I kept sticking the blade to the gummy lather/oil mixture on my face.