I appreciate the quick responses I received last Friday and thank everyone for their help. I went home, contacted classicshaving.com one last time then took the plunge. I must admit it was much easier than I'd expected. Didn't do too much damage to myself! But the weight does feel a little off. The shave was pretty nice but I saw a couple replies about the feather being a waste of money. Is there something better? I like not having to sharpen it.