I think I'm glad that I went from using cartridge razors to using straight razors without using a DE first as I knew right away I was going to get a superior shave with a straight razor even though my technique was poor initially. I've never shaved with a DE, even though I have a couple of vintage Super Speeds, but I've never heard anyone complain about the quality of the shave they get from them so moving to straights from a DE is often about the shaving experience more than the feel of your skin afterwards, at least at first. If you're not enjoying the process of learning to use a straight razor then I can well imagine it would be all too tempting to just stick to your DE, but if you do persevere then I suspect you'll come to love all aspects of straight razor shaving as much as we do. Caring for your blade, knowing that you are responsible for the edge you put on it, means so much when you put that blade to your skin that the shave experience is completely enriched beyond all measure.

I think before I comment on threads like this again I should at least try a few DE shaves, so I'm going to order a small blade sampler and give those Super Speeds a whirl.