I currently have 4 straight razors and 2 shavettes. I started with a Parker shavette thinking it would be a cheap, simple way to try out straight razor shaving (pro tip--it's not). There's no weight, the corners of the DE blade are exposed, and overall it wasn't pleasant. However, it was enough to convince me to try a real straight. My first real straight razor is a TI Art of Shaving 5/8 model with rams horn scales I got for a steal at only $100 from a friend of mine who owns a knife store and took it in on trade. However, it's never been really comfortable--even after getting a professional honing (which I've done twice) it still feels tuggy, especially on my neck. I blamed my technique, my stropping, etc. because I know TI makes good razors--but after a few years, I still struggle with that one.

Thinking stropping must be my problem and that I was never going to learn it, I decided to get a Feather Artist as a nicer shavette. It's amazing--the blades are so stinking sharp that I can't even tell I'm cutting hairs. It even goes ATG without any issues. The Feather is truly enjoyable (second pro-tip; if you just want a shavette, get the Feather for $70 because it's 1000% better than the $15 Parker). The Feather does require constant vigilance--a couple of weeks ago I was using it before work and I think I gave myself a permanent scar on my cheek as I was rushing. Scary thing is, I thought I'd avoided a cut but it finally started bleeding about 5 minutes later and that's when I realized it was a doozie.

Next I wanted a brand new straight (my TI does have uneven bevels, so I thought maybe that's my problem with it?). I looked around and decided I wanted an American hand made razor. I wanted a Brian Brown, but he had closed his waiting list at the time because he had too many back orders, so I went with a Portland Razor Company 6/8 razor with a Spanish tip. I also bought one of their 3" strops and am so happy I did. The PRC is by far my favorite straight--it glides almost as effortlessly as the Feather, but is so much more forgiving. I don't use it every day because I like to go to the gym before work and don't always have time for a proper straight shave. But I've had that razor for four years, have only ever used the strop, and it's still holds a fantastic edge. I also have a balsa strop I haven't needed to use, yet, and a 12k stone for when the edge is ready to be refreshed. I've heard some mixed reviews on PRC, so maybe the quality isn't always consistent (and the price has almost doubled since I bought mine)--but it's an awesome razor that I highly recommend.

After that I got a no-name vintage 4/8 on the BST here--it shaves fine but I don't love the size. Last Christmas I got a 4/8 Le Grelot my FIL found at an antique store. I had it honed and it's a really good shaver, but again the size isn't my favorite.

So what's next? I'd kind of like a Ralf Aust--I hear so much good about those. I also see some of the custom razors and drool over how amazing they look but the price points tend to be higher than I can go. Maybe someday... Any recommendations from all of you?