I have been using straights for about 10 years, mostly out of nostalgia. I enjoy the honing, stropping etc as it is peaceful. Now, when I want a BBS shave, I use my DE Merkur!! So nice, clean close shave with zero effort. I do 3 passes, use an alum bar, then alcohol free witch-hazel, followed by an aftershave balm. My only trick, and don't laugh...….I don't use preshave oil, but I use Crisco vegetable oil!!!! I know, I am now laughing myself. I am too cheap to pay $36 /oz. for "preshave oil.". There, I said it and it works like a charm.