I really want to shell out the extra money for a Bismarck, but I'm afraid I'll probably mess it up for a first straight and money is super tight right now not sure if it'd be worth it since I've never tried straight shaving, but it looks so nice going to kick myself if I fall in love with straight shaving and don't have the Bismarck. I think the best quality might be best for me right now until I get the hang of it and all. I didn't think it was going to be so hard to decide on a razor. When you said "the premium fabric is cotton and I find I like the nylon webbing much better for regular and pasted applications" what did you mean by pasted applications.