First Double-Edge Safety Shave

Just had my first shave (late shower today) with the Gillette double-edge I bought yesterday. I have to admit to some trepidation, but was it ever COOL to hear the sound (especially) and feel the sensation of a single blade cutting through my beard! I took it really easy, and only had two extremely minor nicks - almost just abrasions that leaked about an eighth of a drop of blood each.

I lathered once, shaved purely with the grain, then rinsed in very hot water, lathered again, and shaved against the grain – to the best of my ability to tell, while trying to break my old habit of cross- and against-the-grain strokes in consecutive strokes. The result is not quite as close as my typical Gillette Mach 3 (three-blade cartridge), but that's all in the technique and in getting used to the new heavier razor. It’s obvious to me that my technique will improve over time, and the “willies” will go away as well.