I was one of those kids with a mustache since elementary school and a beard early in high school. I grew my first beard at 14 because I hated shaving. My best friend's father was the last straight razor barber in my hometown, and out of that, I was always curious about straight razors. At 20, I asked him to set me up with a straight razor. I still wear a beard, but shave my neck, and trim along my cheeks, and only shave 2 or 3 times a week. So I've been using a straight razor for 35 years, or so. I've tried other options a few times, but they all caused more pimples and ingrown hairs than a straight razor. My younger son inherited my beard, maybe even heavier. He knew my experiences, and eventually came to me to inquire about a straight razor. I recommended he try a DE first. He's been using one for a couple years now, with very good results. In addition, truth be told, it's more fun.
On an interesting side-note, in my younger days, upon learning that I was proficient with a straight razor, I've had more than one adventurous young lady ask me to shave them with it! (And I'm not talking mustache.) I never charged a fee, but a generous tip always seemed to follow.