I have been using a str8 for almost 2 months, now i know there is a learning curve, but after i do my down pass,i lather up again and try that up stroke on my neck , i just cant get a smooth pass, especially when i put the razor in my LEFT hand. i guess its practice practice practice. but i did get up the kahones to shave the top of my bald head with my str8 instead of my DE and it felt great. my 20 year old kids think iam wacked, but i am having a blast.