I started shaving regularly about a year and a half ago with the bic disposable razors. On a quest to lose the irritation I read about using a single blade so started looking into DE razors, the thought of a straight never crossed my mind until I came across this site. Plucked up the courage and bought a shavette thinking it was good way to see if i like using a straight. Then about a year ago I found a straight that looked in good condition in an antique store. Bought it, got it honed up and I've had irritation free shaves since. And I can't see any reason why I'll ever go back to the shavette never mind multi blade pain inducers!