Nothing even comes close to a shave that you'll get with a really good straight razor. Actually, I know a feller that buys those made in China stainless steel razors ... He's a master with a hone and belt .. and gets them very sharp. Even with one of those, any safety razor cannot even come close. But, for the finest of shaves ... nothin' beats a Dovo ... and for a hunnert 'n fifty a pop ... they oughta hand out a close shave.
As for all of the folderol about preparation, I just use old scraps of soap, toss 'em in the shaving mug and microwave 'em into a block. And, for an aftershave, I use rubbing alcohol. I do use a fine badger brush and it works up a very nice hot lather ... I'm thinking of stepping up my game, as soon as I pay off the mortgage on my Dovos.