I've been shaving with a DE razor for about a year and a half now. About year ago I went into an Art of Shaving store in Dallas, where I got my first straight razor shave. That day I bought a shavette and I've been using it off and on for the last year or so, usually on Sunday's when I can take my time. Just within the last couple of months I had the urge to take the next step and get a real straight razor. I was in Dallas last week, so ai made a point to go back by the Art of Shaving store and purchase a straight razor. So far it hasn't been too bad. My shaves are nowhere near BBS, but I think they will get there in due time. However, I'm not sure it's cutting most of the time, especially around the chin area. I see hair on the blade but yet I still see just as much still on my face, almost like the razor is only getting some of the are. I know my technique is not sure where I would like it to be, but it seems like the razor should be sharper and cut the hairs a lot easier. Just as when I started out with shaving with a DE, I do understand patience, patience, patience.