With the ridiculous cost of blades for standard issue razors, Mach 3, Quattro, Etc., I decided to switch to the old fashioned straight razor. Problem was the cuts. I got myself GOOD and scarred my throat when I first got the razor. I am not a quitter though and have continued to hone my skills.
I get a disposable blade straight razor for $9.99 at the beauty supply store. A 5 pack of blades if $3.99. It lasts for about 3 months. A brand name razor is also $9.99 but the replacement blades are up to $32.99 for a pack of 8 and that is from Amazon.com! A pack of 8 may last 6 months at most.
I WAS DONE!

Supplies needed:
Straight razor
Shaving cream or foam of your choice
Hand towel
HOT water
A face in need of a shave

Step 1: Preparing

Wet your hand towel with water that is as hot as your faucet will get.
Wring out the excess but do not try to dry the towel. You want it wet.
Wrap the towel around the area to be shaven tightly as to warm and soften the hair.
Remove the towel and set it to the side.
Time to apply the foam. Do this as you normally would.

Step 2: Shaving Time

Wet the blade to the point of it being hot.
Start where you wish. I start high on the cheek. Sorry for the bad pic.
It is very important that you "stretch" the skin being shaven tight in loose skin areas like the neck.
That is how I cut the crap out of myself a few times.
Try to create a flat shaving area. That is the best bet. It will be hard to shave the left side of the face with the right hand and vice versa.
It is not possible to rinse the razor too much.
Use tiny strokes to sculpt around the hair you are keeping like the sideburns and goatee.

Step 3: Finishing Up

All the hot water you have been using on the razor and your face has opened up all your pores.
A nice COLD water rinse will tighten up your face and close the pores back up.
Dry the face and prepare the skin for conditioning.
I applied skin conditioner from AVON with the iron man fragrance.
If your wife is anything like mine then you MUST clean out the sink when you are done!
Enjoy your savings on blades and wear your straight shave with pride. When your friends find out that you shave with a straight razor, it will make you "THE MAN" in their eyes.