I have got to the point with the DE that it doesn't take any longer than a cartridge to get the job done.
With a closed comb razor you can get away with terrible slap dash method not so much with open comb and the straight is all about breathing easy and taking your time, rushing causes slicing - yikes.
In an attempt to spread the wet shaving bug I got my friend a starter kit for his 35th Birthday. The razor is a Parker slant clone of the Merkur. It is a bit different than the usual crate of craft ales I get him every year lol.
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Btw you should try KAI blades - they are made in Japan, similar to Feathers in terms of sharpness but so smooth and they last longer (although more expensive per blade) I much prefer them to the feathers.