I love my shavette. Its a Diamond Edge or something 5 dollar amazon special. Its not that i can get a closer shave with it, but i gett the most comfortable irritation free shaves with it. You can control the blade angle to perfect how you want it for each area you shave. Deep and close, or shallow and more comfortable. You will cut yourself with one a few times at first so an alum block is good idea, but that will pass after a month or so. They are sharp especially with a sharper blade, and very unforgiving with small mistakes. But also that will pass and you will be able to wisk off the hair in a few passes that take maby five-ten minutes. Synthetic brush..... plissoft is my recomendation. Osma alum block even if you dont cut yourself still use it... it helps me. Lather dosnt need to be thick for a strait open blade, but very slick. Any shave soap or cream would proly be ok as long as you keep it wet enough. I use conk, prorasco, arko, etc.... blades are a tough recommendation cause tbey are so different for each person but i would say sharper blades such as personna blue, astra sp, polsilver, gillette platinum, or feathers. Good luck and hope you like it!