I'm Not a Newbie, BUT, for many years ( 40 ) I struggled with nothing but a 3 Line Swaty and a Dubl Duk No. 50 strop. Within the last two or three years I have discovered hones I never knew existed. I have acquired the Norton series, Japanese 6000, Blue and Yellow Belgians, an Escher, a Chinese 12,000 and most recently a Shapton 16,000.

Since I am using the Shapton 16,000, I am getting the most comfortable shaves of my life. I recommend the 16,000 to anyone. I am not going to buy a 30,000 though. Much too salty in price. $485 bucks. I'll try newspaper on glass.

Again, my Shapton is doing the trick for me.........