I'm a newbie and this is my only razor. I don't have anything to compare it to (yet), but I'm very satisfied with the shavette style.

I too paid less than $20, and with my order of soap, brush, styptic sticks, and extra blades...I came in at about 50 bucks to get me started. Plus, I don't have to worry about ruining a strop while I learn to shave!

I too would recommend this razor for its versatility and ease of use.

Even still...I can't wait to get my hands on a real SR sometime soon!