Ryan, I have the Shavette, four DEs and a couple of straights -- one vintage and one fairly new. I use Fromm blades in the Shavette. Since the blade width of the DE is shorter than either a straight or a Shavette, it may be easier for most people to use -- at first, that is. Its feel would be closer to a cartridge-type razor which many are now used to. Personally, I learned to shave on a Gillette DE and when I returned to DE shaving about six or seven years ago, it was like meeting an old friend. The shaves got better, too! Now the real advantage of the Shavette as I think most would agree, is in not having to strop or hone the blade. When it gets dull, just pop in a new one. But if you try to become comfortable with a straight, you may catch the disease and want to start maintaining the edge yourself. If you're so inclined, it adds to the fun. When you go from a Shavette to a straight, the increased weight of the straight will be an advantage. But the shaving technique is the same so you will transfer that skill smoothly from the Shavette to a straight.

But there's yet another way to look at this. You have the Shavette and have ordered a DE. To some, that might seem backward. If you were new to straight razor shaving, due to the normally lengthy learning curve for a straight, it's a good idea to take it slow at first and shave only smaller portions of your face. If that's the case, using a DE to finish the job is a very good way to do things. That way a newcomer can advance at his own pace yet still look good to the ladies. Er, I mean while out in public. That's the way I did it and I'm glad I did! DE - Shavette -- straight.

It's great that you're willing to try new things, and it sounds like the Shavette is getting comfortable to you. Because of that, you will probably find that moving to a straight will be no problem. And using a DE will likewise be no problem. Try them all! The DE travels much easier than a straight so if that's part of your life, you have the whole ball game covered.

Good luck and keep us posted on your adventures!

Bruce