i have a "cut-throat razor" my grandfather gave me for x-mas last year
( it was actually HIS fathers razor till he got it )

the only problem is that I don't know how to sharpen it and I dont want to take the chance of jacking it up and I have yet to find a shop that will sharpen it for me so I can use it!!!

the absolute BEST shave I got was at a barber shop with a straight edge... he had the old machine to make the foam, did the towels on the face ect. ect. it lasted a good two weeks ( of course back then I only had to shave once a week....GOD I miss those days !!!)
anyhow ...as soon as I can get that puppy sharpened I am going to use it, and nothing else!

for those interested there are a few forums out there for straight edge razors that give advice, and what not
http://www.straightedgerazors.com/ is one that could be of some help

good stuff
Scott