My opinion is that shaving with a straight razor is more fun than anything else. I don't think it provides a better shave than any other sharp edge but I love all the accoutramonts(SP?). It's like eating caviar. I don't believe anyone really likes the taste of caviar but it's fun because of the little ritual of the iced vodka, chopped egg, capers, toast points and the rest. I call it play food. In order to eat it like the czars you must go through all the prep and assembly and with the right vodka it may even be palatable. Straight razors are for me like that. Honing, stropping, lathering, rinsing, aftercare and all that is fun. Is it better? No, of course not. That's why King Gillete made a fortune on safety razors. But I will say that straight shaving is definitely better for the environment. There are billions of plastic and steel cartridges in the landfills each year. I think that is a good argument for using a straight.