I have been using one of those straight razors that use those disposable half double blades and have become very proficient in its use. I am a Certified Chef and know my way around sharpening knives. I just recently bought a Gold Dollar 209 razor because of its good reviews and the fact that it was an inexpensive shave ready razor. I know that I will probably have to work the edge to make it perfect, But I was not gonna spend a good amount of money on a Dovo or its equivalent only to damage the blade.