Hi there. I toyed with the idea of going to a straight razor about five or six years ago, but the first or second time through I got a nice little cut on my upper cheek and stopped. Considering going back to it mainly so I can more easily work around the curve on my beard. I may try to track down a class if one exists, because I learn best by seeing and doing, not by reading a manual or watching a video. Have a good one.