I had an experience that I thought I would share since I am hoping it would help some beginners as it did me. Been a straight razor shaver for about 6 months and was starting to think I would never find the Holy Grail for straight razor shaving - the BBS. Well, sudden trip for work and I forgot to pack my razor. Get there and forced to get a disposable - exact same brand had been using before. I reasoned this would be a good check on how I am coming along. Bottomline was that though I did not think I was doing all that great with my straight razor, I know firsthand now through this trip comparison that I am getting a better shave than I did before and my skin is a whole lot better than what it was before. As a beginner this was a pretty nice thing to have happen.