I was a bit hesitant to start shaving with a straight razor, as it seems difficult/scary... but it turned out to be a smooth (pardon the pun) sailing. (for me) I bought some of that styptic powder stuff, but its just sitting there for now. (cross fingers) I practiced first with a Parker shavette for a couple of months, after I felt comfortable with that I bought my first straight razor. Got it since last week or so. Everyday I look forward to shave. Feels good and I like the sound the razor makes. Uber relaxing.
Still need a bit of final touch ups here and there... but that's no biggie. I do that with my Edwin Jagger DE89.
The videos from Geofatboy helped a lot.
Happy.
ps. I used the styptic powder once, when I had a small cut with the shavette. I prefer not to use the powder, as it will turn the cut black.