well ive been shaving with a DE for about 4 years now and have been very satisfied. then i bought a dovo shavette and was very pleased. then i figured i would step it up to a str8. so i bought a brand new dovo and a good strop. i had the dovo honed by lynn abrams so i figured it was "shave ready". the 1st half dozen shaves were a disaster as i thought they would b. i did everything i read on this sight. then i figured it wasnt me it was the razor!!!! i was stropping correctly and prepping and shaving correctly. everyone on SRP said it will take time. take it easy and slowly and i would get it after some time. i cussed everyone on this sight and thought everyone was full of crap and str8 razors sucked and couldnt compete with DE's..... well the experience str8 shavers we completely correct and i was wrong. u dont just scrape the razor on the strop. thats an art in itself. now after about 20 r so shaves im getting GREAT shaves. im by no means an expert but my face dont look like ground beef when im done. i actually dont nick myself anymore. thanks to all for all the invaluable info for newbies like me!!!!!!