just wondering what they are like. how much maintenance do they require? how close do they shave? how difficult is it to shave with them? how much do decent blades cost and how often must they be replaced?

i'm trying to get my brother shaving with something other than his plastic disposable and i don't think he'll ever bother with a straight; he thinks it's pretty dopey. but i think if i could get him using a DE he might at least get some idea. the thing that will probably stop him, if anything does, is a lot of required maintenance. thanks!