Hello All! New to the forum. I've been lurking for a week and decided to register. I've been wet shaving with a DE safety razor for about a month now. I'm enjoying the experieince, although it is definitely frustrating in the beginning! I purchased a Chieftain Jr. as my first razor. The cap kept opening on me while shaving, so I purchased a Merkur 34C and have been using that mostly. I did also buy a Vikings Blade The Emperor "Meiji" that I've used a few times, but I'm gonna wait until my technique is better before I start using that. I bought 100 Astra SP's, not knowing a sampler pack is recommended. Should have started "researching" on this forum BEFORE I started my journey. Anyway, I tried a few of the milder blades in the sampler pack (Derby, Shark) and the Wilkinson Sword (black) and the Lord Platinum's. I think the mild blades are just too mild. I'm in my 50's and I think my hair is just too coarse (not thick). I haven't tried the Astra's in the Merkur until this morning. It was the first time I got a shave I am pleased with, so I'm gonna stick to the Astra blades for a month or so. I by no means am saying it was a "good" shave....just one with no nicks, no irritation, and close in most spots. Under the chin is my problem area. My face is skinny, so theres quite a curve from cheek to neck. Still figuring out what will work there. Tried stretching the skin, and also "bullfrogging" but can't get a close shave there yet. I have a few shaving soaps and after shaves (What a rabbit hole!), but so far my favorite are the ones from Declaration Grooming. I like doing a half bowl/half face kinda lathering "technique". Whip it up a little in the bowl and finish on the face. I have been doing 2 pass shaves (WTG, XTG), and a third just under the chin (WTG) for now until get the hang of it. I can't thank you veterans enough for all the help on here. You've really made the transition to wet shaving much easier!