What do you want from a str8 shave?
I'm not sure about everyone on this forum, but if your in a hurry, stick with ur Mach 3 or whatever.
Even though I joined this forum 9-10 months ago, I've shaved with a str8 almost 4 years now. I started using str8's for the enjoyment of using a crude piece of steel that was honed and polished, along with some fine lathers and some post shave products just for the sheer enjoyment of it.
Sure, when I started it was up and down. Sometimes okay and other times it sucked. Before I used str8's, I used a plain Jane long handled Merkur and had no problems getting a BBS shave in a short amount of time. To this day, I can still get that BBS shave with my Merkur. I also get BBS shaves with most of my straights given I have the time to devote to it.
If your constantly in a hurry, it's going to be tuff to get a smooth comfortable shave from your str8 every time until you get very proficient at doing it. For me, I don't waste my time trying to get a perfect shave from my str8 if I don't have the time to enjoy it.
I don't shave everyday, and seldom shave after a shower since I work nights.
Str8 shaving is something I consider as one of the finer things in life. Enjoy it like good wine or a fine cigar. Not something I do so I can say I shave with a str8 razor.
Slow down and enjoy the polished edge, cushioned and lubricated lather, and great smelling and comfortable post shave products.
Mule