It’s hard to slow down considering many of our lives are so hectic, but I would agree that there is very little reason to enjoy wet-shaving period, if you approach it as anything other than a pleasurable experience meant to be enjoyed.

While we are on the topic however of things beginners should and shouldn’t do – I take exception to one of your points. Of course YMMV and this is just one man’s opinion, but I would like to express it:

I personally see no harm in collecting even before you “know what you are doing.” That said, I feel using and understanding but one or two of your collection is key to learning how to use a straight. Moreover, I think the razor you start with, should be one you are willing to harm – that’s to say don’t start with a family heirloom.

Were I to begin again, I would invest in a great set of hones or a coti, some pastes, and a bought a lesser razor. I say this because initially, I was obsessed with knowing if my technique was off or if my blade was dull. Sending my blade to be honed had the effect of me losing a bit of passion initially.

As “veterans” know, hones aren’t needed all that much... but as a “rookie” who’s conditioned to want things quickly there is a great deal of uncertainty and confusion between a bad shave and a dull razor. Moreover, I feel honing and edge maintenance are a fantastic aspect of straight ownership. One that once I got down – allowed me to focus on the job at hand – shaving technique.

Anyway – that’s “my thing.” Were a buddy to ask me to help him get into straights, I would advocate learning to hone, maintain an edge, strop as soon as he started and to buy a blade to learn it all on. I think within 3 months the majority of his uncertainties will have been alleviated by doing so thus allowing him to be able to focus on getting a great shave by years end.