Good for you for listening to your dad, however, I would have thought it would be your dad supporting your decision to use a straight and not your mom. If he even tries to get you to use an electric, be afraid...be very afraid. :) Who knows in the future when you master shaving with a straight, you might be able to teach your dad a new skill. +1 on the advice for getting a brush, soap, and a DE to establish the foundation for wet shaving, plus DE's are more cost effective and give a better shave than some crappy disposable.