Having re-started my career shaving with a straight I found that the interim 30 yeas had not been kind to my skin or motor skills remembered. Being a thin guy with a very angular wrinkled face I was having trouble regaining my chops. I bought a CHEEPO Ebay razor and ran what theoretical edge it ever had off with a hone. It will still cut melted butter with some effort. A sawing motion works best. By lathering up I found I could experiment with various hand, angle and arm positions without requiring transfusions after the fact. Being an older Yeti I bleed easily and have thin skin. Finding a good solution to an particular area could be easily seen and felt. If not, re-lather and try another approach. Once I found the right one I did it wit a REAL razor without tears and very good results. This may seem a woosey way out but it works and it might help others just starting out or old guys like me who are somewhat senile.