This is a very useful thread for me as a newbie to straights. It has always been a mystery to me, and I have always felt that it was just complicated with maintenance and all. After reading this thread, it doesn't seem to be an impossible task. It may be something I can do. I don't see myself giving up my safety razors, but I do like the idea of being to shave like my grandfather did. I know he used a straight. My great-grandfather had a full beard.

Jim, for a handy guy such as yourself, this kind of stuff is right up your alley.

I really like this...

I think as people who indulge in this hobby we tend to make it more complicated than it has to be. Although there is a learning curve, it really isn't that hard and with a few short months of pratice you will find that you have "bloomed" much like a boar brush.

Thank you. Today, I had my first straight shave where I did not have to use a clean up pass with a safety. I am getting better. Shave #10.

Sweet mother of ....:rah: great work