I won't defend Shavettes as a way to start straight shaving, except to say this: They only cost $30 bucks and so are an inexpensive entry point into using a straight blade. Also, the blades are certainly sharp, so that takes the "Is it me or the razor?" stuff out of the equation. They do help you refine your technique because you either start to get it right or pay a big price in cuts. Having said all that, it was certainly a relief to move from the Shavette to a proper straight, and my face thanked me for it.