Ya it's going to be one of those YMMV, I started with a DE 44 years ago so I didn't do it to get ready for a straight , but it did help my transition to straights , I learned along time ago about the direction my hair turns and the amount of pressure to use to get a smooth , irritation free shave, of course back then we didn't have all these blade choices and soaps and creams,, so a DE first can help, Good luck. Tc