Thank you all for the welcome. I have realized after reading all the information on this site I was cutting myself short by starting with the gold dollar. (pun intended) So I went ahead and got myself a Ralf Aust 5/8 from straightrazordesigns. The anticipation for its arrival is killing me. After just a taste of straight razor shaving I am hooked and everyday I have to shave with the ole disposable is killing me.......Again thank you all for the welcome.