Truly, I have always hated shaving and the razor bumps/ingrown hairs/discomfort that came with it. When I could grow a decent enough beard, I did (and still wear a mustache and goatee most of the time to this day).

Then a couple of months ago I caved in and got a straight razor and my current (favorite) soap. Dang!

Whereas I used to avoid shaving, I now look forward to it. Whereas I used to be fine with a poor shave and preferred to be rather profusely stubbly, I now go for BBS shaves about once a week!

I find that I LOVE my Merkur 34C razor, but something about the time and patience and -- almost -- meditation it requires fro me to use my straight makes it something special and a bit of a challenge.

I still get a little burn now and then. But my days of ingrown hairs are behind me. I just find it interesting that what used to be a chore is now something I look forward to.

It really does get better and better... well especially for us newbies!