As you have found, there are many opinions on how best to start into the great art of open blade shaving. You will also find, there is a constant thought lurking in the background, and that is, there will indeed, be spilling of precious bodily fluids. I believe I speak for many when I mention there is an unwritten rule and near universal agreement that injuries be recorded for further reference. We have a special place for these posts. Murphy's Gallery: A pictoral chronicle of pain.