I'm new here, but I'm recently addicted to the excellent, baby-smooth shave that I get using my new DE safety razor (with a fresh Merkur or Feather blade). And I can see that there's lots discussion here about straight razor use, which seems to be a whole level beyond where I am now.

So here's the burning question from a less-than-newbie shaver -- is the shave that you get from a straight razor truly, noticeably better than the shave that you might get using a really high quality DE blade and razor? (And of course, all other things being equal, like face prep, proper maintenance of your shaving tool, etc.)

If no, then I can still see the benefits that come from straight razor shaving in the form of learning and mastering a difficult new skill. But then the benefits would be based in personal enjoyment of the process, and not necessarily the difference in shave quality. Or is there a difference in the actual quality of the shave that you are getting? Because, to tell you the truth, I don't see how I could get a shave any closer than I'm getting now, after having my eyes opened to DE shaving after decades of crappy plastic cartridges.

So please give me the unvarnished, honest story behind this straight razor shaving! Thanks.