As to the OP, I started with the gateway drug - a DE - in hopes of a better shave, less $$$.

The Straight Razor crowd was the bad kids on the side of the playground, so of course I had to try it...

On the "I use more water" - may I suggest you try stropping of the lather off on your forearm and not running the water during the shave.

(This makes me want to see how little water I can get by with...I see a test)