I first started Str8 shaving because I was intrigued with Japanese str8's. I bought an Iwasaki and tried to shave with it. Not good results. Put it away and bought a western str8, and started using it. Been shaving with a str8 for a few months now, and my only sharp str8 went dull on me a week in a half ago, so I broke out the Iwasaki and tried it again now that I have some experience. Shaved a lot better this time, but pulled some. I didn't strop it. Next shave I stropped in, and wow, what a smooth shave. Next shave, the same. I'm really starting to like my Iwasaki razor. I may have to get a few more of these type of razors.