Hello gents,

A few months ago, I went from cartridge blades to DE razors. This was a huge improvement to my daily shavings. Suddenly, the daily shaving routine has become a positive thing that I look forward to. Following the enevitable path, a professional honed and shave ready straight razor arrived early this week. I have had three straight shaves, and I must say that my experience so far is negative and several steps back. Not comfortable at all, and a poor result compared to a smooth DE BBS shave. The first two shaves went ok without a scratch, but I had to finish with a DE to get things in order. This morning on my third go, I cut myself on my cheek during an XTG pass. Probably moving too fast ahead, I guess.

For the moment, morale is low and I am not sure if I am willing to invest the necessary time and training to achieve a shave hopefully close to my comfortable DE shave that I anyway can get today. I now understand why the safety razors became so popular when they were introduced. I am close to degrade my straight to the kitchen to slice vegetables with (not excactly true). Have any of you gentlemen straight shavers had the same feeling on your way to where you are today?