using the str8 is a blast...I am by no means experienced with less than two weeks of shaving with the str8 but I can tell you I'm having a blast using it...hoodathunk that shaving could be fun again...if you get a good shave withthe el cheapo plastics, I can only imagine the good shaves you'll get withthe str8 once you learn the blade and get your processes worked out, with or withou soap...best of luck