Hello all. I just signed up today, and am so excited to find so many people with some experience in the world of straight razor shaving.

I wasn't sure if straight razors were for me, or if I'd even know how to shave with one, so I purchased a razor which uses replaceable blades, much like the one my barber uses. I figured $10 was a reasonable investment to figure out if this was something I should invest more in.

I've shaved with it three or four times now, and each time I seem to be doing less damage to my face and getting a closer shave. However I'm left with two questions.

1.) Is there a natural learning curve to this? Do most people suck at first and get better with practice? The first shave didn't seem to cut hair at all, so I changed blades. The second shave seemed to cut my face plenty, but left a bit to be desired in the shave department. The third shave was much less painful, and seemed to be a bit smoother.

2.) are replaceable blade razors recommended? Would a non replaceable blade straight razor give a better shave or be easier to learn with?

Thanks in advance for any answers or advice you might have.