First post for me... I have been researching shaving with a straight for about a month in a half now; with the majority of my time spent here. I wanted to thank everyone involved for all the great information/advice. I aquired my first piece of shaving gear yesturday on Ebay. I hope I did not snag it from anyone. There was only one other bidder. I am now the proud owner of a Kingwood handled silver tip badger brush. I got it for 46$ and was quite proud of myself. Gimmie a little more time saving money, checking flea markets/pawn shops; and I may actually be shaving soon. If I could just convince my mother to let me have the 6 straight razors and 2 strops she has hanging in her bathroom, and I could make out like a bandit. Unfortunately that is not going to happen any time soon. Thanks again for all the information contained here, and wish me luck getting the rest of the gear I need.