Hi Bootstrap,

Well, how long depends on a few things such as the approach you take to learning this stuff, your level of dedication and so on I would think. It is not going to be just a matter of time with straights. It is also a matter of how productive you can be at assimilating information into your learning curve.

However, I can say without a shadow of a doubt that there is never a time when you can say you will not cut yourself - one momentary lapse of concentration is all it takes, even for the most experienced users.

In terms of the amount of time it takes to get good shaves on a regular basis, I have heard of people's experiences ranging from several weeks to 9 months or more. Again, this all depends on the levels of support available to you (eg SRP and the WIKI) and how you go about using and incorporating that support into your learning.

Personally, I *knew* I could shave with a straight the first time I picked one up. It was not a particularly successful shave, but I did know it was for me. The thing that makes me love straights, and I think the thing that you would do well to keep at the front of your mind, is that straights are a lifelong learning. There is always something new to know.

You should not endure nasty shaves. Make sure you read the Wiki beginners guides and have an idea of how that info translates to your actual shave. Looking at a few shaving videos in the Videos sub forum might help there. And ask lots of questions - we are here to help. But make sure your questions are directed toward something that we can be of material help to you with - you know, things like how to stretch effectively, the best way to grip a razor, how to strop correctly, how to test the edge for sharpness, what angle to use when shaving - that kind of stuff.

Good luck!

James.