I've got a new barber who's actually right across the road from me in Montreal. He does my sideburns and neck with a shavette. I asked why he used the shavette as opposed to an 'old fashioned' straight razor. He said it's just easier (no maintenance), more consistent and cheaper. He also uses a lather machine that dispenses warm lather.

I asked him what the secret was to a good shave and he held out his hand and said, "Les bons mains."

I haven't had a full shave from him, but the touching up he does is effective and irritation-free.