I have just recently picked up wet shaving (within the past 2 months) and I must say it DOES give ya a better shave. As for the time, after surviving my learning curve, I find that I can get a good shave in about 10-15 minutes. It all really depends on how detailed I get. But for me it has become a sort of relaxing quiet time all to myself.
I buddy at work have been into DE shaving for the past several years and have been pestering me to give it a try for a while and I finally decided to take the plunge. I got a Merkur Classic and a good boar's hair brush. Now that I got my technique down, I'm experimenting with blades. So far I really like Feather Blades, damn they are sharp! My runner up blade is Derby. I am also enjoying playing around with different creams and aftershaves. So far my favorites are Truefit and Hill Grafton, 1805 along with Proraso Mentholated.
I never in my wildest dreams find that shaving could turn into a hobby.
i know right! most people dont. so im guessing your boar is an omega? right? wonder which one beach? ivory or SS? or perhaps its one of the pro brushes?
but anyways i'v been working up more and more curage with the str8s i can now get a shave compareable with a electric razor. im guessing it will get better once i work the courage up to do a ATG pass.