So after many months of research, as well as using a Merkur 33 DE to get used to a single blade with multiple passes, I finally took the plunge and got my first straight!
I got an Aust razor from Straight Razor Designs/Imperial Shaving in Medina, OH, as well as a 3" Latino strop (in red, just because!)
So today I did my first shave. 10 passes on the cloth, 30 on the leather, hot towel on face after a shower, some Taylor cream with my tweezerman brush (yeah, I know, it's my next upgrade) and I went to work.
I did a 3 pass, and aside from me being acutely aware of the really damn sharp thing against my skin, and being nervous due to said fact, I don't think I did too bad!
I love the straight for lining up my chinstrap lines from the sideburns.
All I can say is that I thought I was going to like it, and I was WRONG. I LOVE it.