Just got done shaving about twenty minutes ago now. I still need some work on my technique, mostly as it pertains to getting a good lather out of my soap (Van der Hagen), but for a first time shave my Gillette NEW Bar Handle (loaded with Wilkinson Swords I picked up at Wally World) performed admirably. I've decided to save my Micromatic for when I get a little more skilled at finding blade angles; the Gillette benefited from a nice pictorial guide that really got me on the right track. Only got a single nick- in one of my usual problem areas, though, so it's definitely an acceptable performance. Still a bit rough where my grain clashes under my right jaw. Not BBS yet by any means, but I know I'll get there soon enough. Hopefully my technique will also speed up as I improve; I benefited from a very *patient* shave today.