[BrianR]

I've used a straight razor.

It's not as easy as it looks in the movies.

Buy a quality one plus all the accessories (strop, cup, brush etc), no cheating if you want the full experience.

I'd suggest you tap the oldest barber you can find for advice. The barbers today don't shave like they used to due to health concerns but the older ones still know how. Mine gave me invaluable advice before I carved up my face. The old "shave a balloon" before you try your face is good advice. Wear goggles though, he didn't tell me that part and I had to rinse thoroughly the first time I made a slip.

You feel much smoother after though. A safety razor, no matter how many blades it has, does not do as good a job.