So I got my first straight razor recently, a Dovo Bismarck. I've been using a DE for about six months now and getting awesome results, DFS to BBS with no sting, cuts, razor burn or irritation and have that dialed in really well, so I figured I'd take on the challenge of learning how to use a straight razor.

Well, is was about 8:30pm, and I had just finished going with the grain on each sideburn and cheek (switching hands for each side) and it was going well, so i figured I'd go for under my bottom lip and chin. as I got started all the power went out in the house. Needless to say I didn't finish that night and used my DE the next morning before work.

So far the straight razor is OK, I had no problems using either hand, which I though would be the biggest problem, but although I am only a half a shave in with the straight, I really have my doubts that, even in the best hands it yields a CLOSER shave than a DE. If you're really good with a straight razor, then sure you can get as close, but I just do not see how people can claim that a straight gets closer than a DE! If anything the DE is more versatile, can get into tighter spaces, curves on the face, etc. I also know personally, and have read people who use a straight, then 'clean up' under their neck with a DE. If a Straight was that much better, why are they using a DE to 'clean up'? I'm not bashing the straight razor, and enjoy a challenge and the history and time it takes to learn a new skill, but as far as closeness, as long as the user is experienced with the toll, I think they will both yield the same closeness. With that said, I look forward to learning how to use the straight razor, and maybe I will prove myself wrong a year or so down the line.