I started with a Dovo Shavette, moved on to straights then got the Feather SS when it came out. I still use the straights 99% of the time, but the Feather SS gives a shave that is hard to beat. I have noticed lately, however, that the Feather blades do degrade after five shaves or so. While I can still shave with them after that, doing so brings some effort into the equation, and that can cause problems. I get my best shaves with brand new blades, the razor just sliding across the face effortlessly doing a wonderful job.