so i found B&B a few weeks ago, and decided i really want to work my way up to a straight razor. so i began with a DE as recommended, and i cant be happier with the way things turned out. it was actually easy! i was afraid of cutting up my neck but experienced no such thing. ingrowns are still present on my neck from years of cartridge blades (mach 3), but im hoping that with each coming DE shave they will dissipate. thanks to all of you folks im hopefully on my way to many great shaves. considering how much i liked the DE, i think i may want to try a shavette. i like to keep a beard from time to time so the shavette should work nicely to box out the edges of the beard. thanks again folks, and i will keep this thread updated as things progress.