Hello, I'm Jordan. I just started straight razor shaving (shavette shaving actually) this past week. I have no problems with cartridge razors. My sole motivation for switching to straight razors is simply because it's a lot of fun to me.
Anywho, things are going semi-ok, and by that I mean I don't need skin grafts after I finish my shave. The people are right when they say the shavettes are unforgiving, but I don't mind learning with an unforgiving instrument, all the more reason to learn what youre doing the proper way:) I have two shavettes: the parker one and then a generic shavette (I think the model is the ustura) that came with a pack of derby blades (I see this ustura model being used by many barbers in random youtube vids). The parker one is definitely well made with a bit more heft to it, but the ustura model has a longer tang which I really like. Both hold the blade securely but it's real tricky to get the blade into the ustura model since it slides into extremely snug slots that you can barely fit dental floss through.
I ordered the van der hagen starter set that came with a boars hair brush, dish, and bar of soap. I also got a 10 dollar badger hair brush. So basically I have all the cheapest entry level supplies.
My progress/problems/observations so far:
1) Making lather from a shaving soap bar is tough!!! This is probably whats screwing up my shaves. I simply dont make enough lather from the soap bar. And since I have barely any lather I try to conserve it and don't always reapply lather when I should. I'm adjusting better to this by learning how to heavily load up my brush. Also I never realized how much lather is actually hidden in the brush and you can get out a ton by wringing out the brush once.
2) Shaving ATG is much harder for me. I took for granted how easy it was to shave ATG with a cartridge razor, takes absolutely 0 skill. It's the complete opposite with a shavette and I literally can't do it at this point. Either the shavette snags or jerks along or I feel like I'm going to cut myself. I cant figure out how to hold the razor to shave against the grain either. I can get an acceptable shave going WTG and XTG for now.
Overall I'm enjoying it a lot and I now look forward to shaving instead of feeling like it's a chore. In the distant future I'll probably get a straight razor. It takes a real commitment to learn how to properly hone and strop and I don't trust myself yet to take the money plunge.