Hello, everyone.

Total newb to straight shaving here.

I got tired of paying too much $$$ for decent disposables and decided to try my hand at straight shaving. I started with the Parker SRW (which this thread is about and is what led me here). I picked one up off of eBay (new) with some initial blades for about $15.00. This was about two weeks ago.

I have a couple of questions and comments about the Parker style shavers:

1) I love it. Took me about three shaves to really start to get used to it, but the last couple of shaves have been the absolute best shaves I've ever had. I shave at night to allow my face to recover from any potential nicks rather than risk going to work with a cut face. I've found that I actually get fewer nicks with the straight than I ever did using the cartridge razors. The shave also lasts longer than I've gotten before.
2) If someone likes using the Parker SRW (barber-shop style) handle with the 1/2 DE blades, is there a real reason to move to a full-on straight razor? (note: I can't sharpen a knife to save my life. I always have my brother or dad sharpen my pocket knives for me.)
3) I'm currently using the 7 AM brand razors that came with mine (break them in half to use). They are nice (very nice), but I have also ordered a batch of "Shark" and "Derby" 1/2 blades to use (I got about 240 total blades really inexpensively). Does anyone here know which brands of blades for these are better?
4) I see the term "shavette" used around in the forums when I explored. Is that term used to refer to a specific brand of razor handle, or is it used as a more generic term when referring to the straight-style handles for throw-away blades? (In my initial research I saw the Dovo brand of "Shavette", but like the look of the less-expensive Parker SRW better).
5) Can anyone give good advice to a total newb at straight shaving? I have a tough thick beard and I've found that a single sharp blade is much, much easier to shave with than a bunch of tightly packed blades that get hair stuck between them. I've done okay (no major mishaps yet), but any advice will be welcome. The jawline and neck are my toughest areas to get smooth without any razor burn.
6) I've gotten three good shaves from my last 1/2 blade...is that typical, or is there something I can do to extend the life (note: they are inexpensive enough that I can get two year's supply for about $18 if I get three shaves from them).

Thanks for your patience with the total newb, but all I know is that I wish I had started shaving with a straight a long time ago.

Later,
Goatee