Gents, thanks again... your tips are invaluable.

Dragan, I did not know that Lee Valley carried this stuff - one location is on my way to work and will drop in this week if I can create some time and check things out.

I will be sure to let you all know what I end up with and how things work out. Of course, I'll still be buggin' ya with questions in the mean time.

My next one, for example: Flattening. How long does a hone stay flat for if you are using it exclusively for a straight razor?