So far, I seem to be the only guy who was an experienced DE shaver before using a str8. I started with a Gillete adjustable when they were still being sold commercially and have used every system since.

I received a Merkur Futur as a gift 40 years ago and have used it on and off since. I also had a str8 about 20 years ago but never really was able to use it, and I never really got started. I even tried brush shaving for a while, but it seemed like too much trouble. For at least the last 10 years I've been shaving with the Futur and disposables using commercial gel. I was pretty good at wetshaving, so it was a bit of a chore but not a drudgery, and it was definitely not uncomfortable. I was getting decent and fairly comfortable shaves.

Early this year I discovered the wetshaving sites which led me to a Vision, a Kent brush and all the fine shaving products. At that point, shaving became a pleasureable experienece I looked forward to it, just like Lynn explained. So, my major change of attitude about shaving happened before I started using str8s.

I discovered this site about three months ago and quickly decided to make a serious attempt at str8 shaving. It took about a month for me to start getting good shaves with a str8. Now I do most of my shaving with str8s, although I cycle in my Vision and a Merkur slant, and once in a while my old Futur. The str8s offer the best shave, except for the slant using Feather blades.

As far as str8s go, I now have at least 20, and I've finally learned to maintain them reliably. Although I get mezmerized by some of the great English creams, my greatest pleasure comes not just from shaving but from using an antique and work of art that has seen more history than me and feeling a part of it. Some of these razors are amazingly beautiful, and I just enjoy looking at them.