Some Helpful Pointers (Maybe!)

[Leche]

While I have only been doing this for about two weeks, here are some things that have made my life easier. Hopefully this will benefit the starter or the curious.

1. You will not sustain fatal injuries. But respect it very much because it can harm you.
2. Assume nothing. DE/SE will give you very little edge besides knowing your growth patterns.
3. Face lather with soap. Your beard will be better prepared and slicker.
4. Take your time, don't rush, and relax.
5. Joel's tutorial on holding the razor is great, but don't be afraid to experiment. Just make sure you have a secure grip.
6. Strop and strop well!

I'm sure more will be added (I hope so). If your considering the straight dive in and enjoy.

[Fnord5]

#1 I think is most important (prep aside)

A guy at work wants to try using a straight, but is scared of accidentally killing himself when shaving his neck.

I told him "you would have to work at it and really try to do that kind of damage"

A subsection to #1.

Take each stroke with determination. The straight razor can smell fear, and will bite you if you hesitate in the slightest, and keep that blade moving.

[mparker762]

A guy at work wants to try using a straight, but is scared of accidentally killing himself when shaving his neck.

Men need to do something stupid and dangerous every now and then to keep us from turning into women.

[SavantStrike]

men need to do something stupid and dangerous every now and then to keep us from turning into women.

bwahahaha.

[gumbo]

If you are having a hard time stretching skin (which is OH SO IMPORTANT), use a wet washcloth, it grips better than your fingers when your skin has lather/water on it.
For me, this was the biggest help for getting no irritation on my neck.

[AceBuckeye]

If it helps anyone at all, and hopefully it will, most of my early cuts were sustained when I stopped the razor somewhere on my face. Most of the stopping was due to trying to adjust my view to see in the mirror better, I have since stopped worrying about being able to see the blade at all times and gone by feel a lot more, it's also helped my technique.

[grumpy old codger]

I think obscene images,like the Yankees logo, should be banned.
Sincerely,
A Cubs Fan

[AceBuckeye]

You're earning your handle LOL

Sincerely hope you guys can end the drought soon, have loads of respect for Piniella

[ShaneC]

do not turn the edge toward your face and your face toward the edge at the same time!

I've sustained 3 cuts this way, in the same place, on 3 different occasions. You'd think I'd learn by now.

***NOTE*** The cuts heal quick. A good sharp edge slices neatly without ripping. Even with blood in the lather, a few good splashes of cold water is enough to help close up your battle wounds quickly.

[just1nsturm]

I think obscene images,like the Yankees logo, should be banned.
Sincerely,
A Cubs Fan

[mdunn]

#7. Keep the spine about a spine width from your face
#8. If in doubt about what angle to use, get the spine closer to your face