Long story as short as possible. My wife went to an AOS store a few months ago and picked up a DE Razor and gear for me. Started using it and liked it, then I remembered I had two of my Great Grandfathers straights stashed away. Well, polished one up, borrowed a strop and gave it a try. The first shave wasn't as smooth as I would've hoped, but no nicks or cuts just some minor irritation on my neck. Nothing a little cold water followed with witch hazel couldn't fix. I followed up with the DE, good day. I've used it a few more (maybe 3) times since, I've got a lot to learn and a long way to go before I get the BBS shave everybody searches for. But no nicks or cuts will always be my goal.

Now for the picture of my Great Grandfathers blades

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one is a W.M. Elliot 268 and the other a W.M. Penn

I've cleaned and stropped the Elliot since the picture the Penn will probably need a buffing wheel before I try using it.