I am new to straight razors (3 weeks and therefore 21 shaves)but I can say this.My first was a disposable blade type.Compared to the mach 3 i had been using,it was heaven.The sharper blade will help a ton with ingrown hairs(life long problem for me).BUT,just last night my Dovo arrived and I was able to give it a shot.No more disposable types or anything else for me ever again.I am straight razor man for life.The difference in smoothness between the disposable and the Dovo were insane.Both during and after the shave.A sharper razor IS easier to use.I was getting somewhat annoyed by nicking myself a bit with the disposable every couple days,but the Dovo just glides. I am VERY NEW to this scene,but I would highly recommend a true blade vs a disposable ALSO:If someone had told me years ago that a straight blade was my answer to ingrown hairs,I would have bought one without question.Since your BF has the same issue with hair as me,he will thank you for getting him this.I know i would. Best luck in your endeavors!