well, I haven't touched the feather in a couple of weeks now. I don't have anything against the feather but there is a certain pride in shaving with a blade that you honed and stropped yourself. Sure there is a learning curve (I'm still learning a lot) but I think that is what gives you so much satisfaction. I think starting with a feather might have helped with the learning curve (since shaving with a straight and maintaining a straight are both an art and science) but many in this forum have pointed out that the feather and the straight are two different animals.

anywho, I just wanted to say that this forum and the videos (like lynn's and bill's) are outstanding. I probably would have given it up if it wasn't for all the information available from forums like this one.