This is not a criticism of these tools or their users, I am just curious to know why people use these things as an alternative to a straight. I have read they are recommended for guys that just want to explore whether or not using a straight is right for them, or that they are good for those that don't want the hassle of maintenance. Yet surely the experience of using a true straight will be very different, for example I have read that these things are way more aggressive than a straight, and that as a beginner you are more likely to suffer burn, nick or cut yourself, where is the pleasure in that? I would suggest that somebody moving away from the Mach 3's of this world try a safety, double or single, before trying a straight, I certainly did and I do believe it helped me just because it is a more involved shave, you actually 'think' whilst working, as opposed to simply spraying crap on your face and then wiping it off with a Biro. And as for the maintenance free point, well part of the pleasure of using a straight is caring for a cherished possession, if you don't feel that then surely a decent safety would be a more rewarding choice?