I can agree with what everyone else has said. I got a Parker SRW shavette prior to getting my Boker from SRD. I got it on amazon with a box of 120 Shark blades for about $22.00. It was much cheaper than getting a real straight and I wanted to 'see what it was like' before putting in all the cash.

I am glad I didn't get discouraged by the Parker because it is very different from the straight; and the real straight is WAY better. I always nicked / cut myself with the shavette. I used it for about 2-1/2 months before getting the monthly strop/razor set from SRD.

The technique of using a shavette for me was somewhat similar to a real straight, but at the same time very different. I was able to use the straight with more ease at the beginning because of it, I think. The motions and hand positions and all. However, the ANGLES are not the same. Since the blade is replaceable and not a continuous piece of metal the shavette is a little awkward compared to a regular straight.

I will agree with previous posts that it is not that forgiving at all compared to a real str8.

-amt