"Feather" to a REAL str8 Razor...

I've been shaving with a Feather AC using Professional blades for about a month now. I am glad I made the choice to start with the Feather. Due to it's extreme sharpness, I have been extremely careful during my learning curve. I have purchased four good str8's through Ebay and I plan to rotate them and send one off, when needed, to Lynn for honing. I decided to buy a paddle from Tony rather than start with a hanging strop(don't trust myself, yet). I've been dying to try out a Beau Brummel I bought from Bob Keys(Altima55) on Ebay. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...2638&rd=1&rd=1 He says they are "ready to shave". I stropped it 50 times on the paddle and tried the HHT. It actually worked! So I proceeded to try out the razor. Wow! What a difference between a Feather(which we know is sharp) and a sharp str8! It was totally different. Much more forgiving, I could really hear and feel the feedback of the blade on my whiskers. -...Whiskers, that sounds funny. I thought only cats had whiskers. Oh well.:shrug: Bottom line.....I am hooked! The shave was beautiful. I can't wait to get my wedge back from Lynn and get three more beauties I have coming from Ebay.

I love the Feather and will probably shave with it once in a while, but a good str8 is the only way!!!:tu

Thanks to all you guys - I read your comments everyday, taking notes. My son has become a member, El Guapo; I look forward his learning to improve his shaves.

Congratulations!
Your post should be considered required reading for those that are first starting out and wondering whether to go with a Feather or a straight. From what I can tell, the only reason to go with a feather is if you cannot (or are unwilling) to hone.
Viva la straight!
Ed

Well, it gives you something to aspire to, even if you do know how to hone...

Thanks for the encouragment. It's much appreciated! I am a very good student, and I always do what my teachers say. I didn't trust myself with a hanging strop; having heard of many guys who ruined their edge by improperly stropping. - therefore, the paddle just seemed more logical. I was so very careful stropping. I held the razor buy the handle to prevent me from pressing(that bad word!) at all. I must have done well. Honing will come a little later, but I look forward to the learning experience. "What a Wonderful World" - someone said that! ...SATCHMO!!:bow