Starting with a Straight Razor - Is It Worth the Effort?

I’m thinking about diving into traditional shaving but torn between a shavette and a straight razor. Straight razors seem more forgiving for beginners, but the maintenance looks intimidating. Anyone here started with a straight razor? How was the learning curve?

Starting with a straight razor can feel intimidating at first, but the learning curve is part of the charm. The weight and balance make it more forgiving once you get the hang of it. Honing and stropping might seem daunting, but they become second nature with practice—think of it as part of the ritual. For beginners, it’s worth the initial effort for the smoother, more comfortable shave in the long run.

One thing that helped me when starting with a straight razor was watching tutorial videos to get the hang of honing and stropping—it’s not as complicated as it seems! Also, investing in a pre-honed razor can ease the initial learning curve. The weight really does make a difference in control compared to shavettes, which can feel too light and twitchy.