To My Infant Grandson

[Obie]

* Dear boy,

May you blossom into a gentleman with a keen intellect and a kind heart.

Know profound love.

Accept people for what they are without passing judgment on them.

Read good books and listen to good music.

Write a good sentence.

Love food and wine — and an occasional cognac and cigar.

Someday, a long time from now, my straight razors will be yours. Treat them as friends, and with respect. Take time to master them. Yet, give a bow to the older masters of the straight razor, because they will always know more than you do.

And before I forget, may yours be a light beard that grows in one direction.

Your loving grandfather and a straight razor pilgrim,

Obie