i'm a one month plus newb as well and not only the ritual of something so old brought back makes me feel great after i have done something my elders have done, as for the shave my technique is still not close to mastered, but i notice no razor burn, and my shaved face lasts longer, plus learning to clean, polish, restore, hone, make it all worth every dime, plus the ability to give back to a young man at some point is just amazing! following roots and keeping tradition is worth everything to a guy like me! my first razor was one that was my grandfathers in poor shape an ERN, then my friend showed me the ropes how to completely restore it, then he gave me a brand new never used Filarmonica doble temple 13, a great and generous gift! this type of hobby and manly/womanly rite will be gladly passed on, and hopefully there will be new people making them more companies to produce fine straights again, besides the three or four manufactures we have today! I say YES a long winded off the beaten path YES!