I just had my first go with a Dovo shavette and carved eight kinds of hell out of my face -- I hung two deep cuts in the face proper and my neck looks like a scratching post.

I must say, though, the actual shaved part is very smooth: apparently blood makes for a great moisturizer.

Therefore, exactly how much more difficult is it to use a straight razor than a shavette?

Don't deter me too much because I'm not ready to give up just yet (and, OK, I did exaggerate a bit up there about how bad it is: none of my colleagues have said anything or attempted to apply a tourniquet around my neck).