Quote Originally Posted by Zts2004 View Post
Thanks guys...but I am still overcome with indecision.

Going back to used SR, specifically the ones listed here - Is a used SR in the 30 - 50 dollar range worth it? Will it get the job done? I guess I just feel like I should be spending a little more in this....
I still think the Shavette is the easiest choice for you at this time. It will be inexpensive, and you can experiment with different blades (like the Feather I have installed tonight and plan to torture myself with tomorrow).

The Shavette has really helped me refine my technique. I can now get much closer shaves without blood, although it did take ten shaves or so to get there. I think it will take the same amount of time starting with a real straight. I believe, and some posters on here agree, that using the Shavette will help me get some of the learning curve under my belt before attacking my face with a proper straight.

If you were to get a used straight and get it honed, you'd still be up against the same newbie problems one reads every day in here. If the first shave is not too good (and it won't be in most cases), was it your technique, was the blade not shave ready, when you stropped it did you roll the edge? Starting with the Shavette avoids all that. The blades will be sharp, real sharp, and your face will prove that to you. I'd say get the Shavette, don't worry about anything yet but technique, stagger through the first ten shaves, and you'll come out the other side with some feel for straight shaving, improved technique, and then you can move on (like I plan to) to a proper straight that you won't mess up by starting with it.