For me, I had razor burn for 15 years (I'm 31), the first time I used a straight....no razor burn, and it's merely a bad memory now. This is my #1 justification. #2. As you said, straight razors are bad ass. Period. Enough said. You slide a scary sharp piece of mean looking steel across your face because you want to, and because you can. This signifies you as one of the few, the proud, the tough ones. Our secret is, you get a shave that is wonderful, have a good time doing it, and obtain a nice sense of satisfaction when you are done. I also suggest you buy a razor from the classifieds here. If you don't want to go that route, buy one from Lynn at SRD. Get yourself a TM strop. No sense in getting something you are going to want to replace. If you decide it isn't for you, you can resell it. Think of it in terms of cars. Buy a Civic, get a decent resell if you don't like it. If you get a Kia, you're stuck wth it. Sticky this...my best piece of literature ever. You won't see this quality again for awhile. Midterms this week ya know.