booga, if you used to get only about 3 decent shaves out of a disposable, you can now try working on your lathering technique. Read the posts here about the shave prep, and try the ones you like the best. You will see that your razor will last longer between honings. Also, there is no way you will maintain the straight razor without good honing stone. You'll have to get one eventually, so better get it now. It's a once in lifetime buy (if your not into collecting). Norton 4000/8000 3" synthetic wetstone is favorite combo here. It's the only one you'll need. Some people refine their razors with fine abrasive pasted strop, or finer hones, but you can shave straight from the 8000 side of the Norton. I do.

have fun,
Nenad