I've had one of my grandfathers straights for a while. He was a great man, pitched a 17 inning no hitter in semi-pro ball, sparing partner to Jack Dempsy, set out alone (at 13) on a buckboard to bring supplies to the family tending cattle on the Idaho border, master horseman, and uncanny shot and hunter. I've always thought it was a very personal memento. After finding this site and a few others I dedided to give the straight a try.

I thought I'd save money not buying all those cartridges for my Gillette Fusion. Ha! This will be the most expensive shave ever. The razor was free but I bought a double sided 325/650 DMT diamond hone, 1,000, 4,000, and 8,000 Shapton Glass Stones, a Latigo/Horsehide strop, Shavemac brush, 3 soaps and 3 shave cremes. The brush was supposed to come today but so far no brush and the soaps and cremes are still on their way as well.

I've over sharpened the blade. With a 20X loop I can see some micro chipping. I plan to add a strip of electricians tape to the worn spine and go back to 1,000 grit and start over. Before I get to 8,000 grit I'll add another layer of tape. That should make the edge stronger but I'm sure open to suggestions.

Next question: What stone do I get next? Stay with Shapton and get a 16,000, or go to a Chinese 12,000, or Spyderco EF, or Belgian Coticule? Thanks in advance for your advice.