Well I just completed my first DE shave and I am pleased. I have gotten the bug pretty bad having bought a razor from another member then picking up 2 more before I even knew what happend. ( I think I will pass one onto my best friend so he can start his journey) Anyway back to the shave. I used an Edwin Jagger DE86 ebony ( just couldn't pass it up it looks and feels awesome.) For my cream I went with TOBS Sandlewood (test size) blade was a Derby and my brush and bowl were walmart cheap premium set. I decided to start this one the right way with a nice hot shower during which the bowl and brush were soaking in hot water. After I got out I built my later, I need work on this as I just couldn't get it to build right it wouldn't froth up more then to cover the brush so I added a little water, still no joy so I tried more cream and it was better but not great. Next I lathered up and did a with the grain pass without any issues, same for against the grain. Then I got greedy and went across the grain didn't do bad but did get one weeper on my neck and nicked a birthmark that I often hit even with my old cartridge razor. All in all not to bad not BBS but I didn't expect that on the first run, what I did get was ptobably my smoothest shave ever. Thanks for all the great info guys.