Good morning gents,

I just want to express my thanks to the experienced members of this forum who
have patiently answered the questions of myself and others. (Let it not be said
that I have a gratitude problem.) I have learned a great deal over the past few
years. Thanks in particular to the gentleman who advised me that the elusive
"sharpness" that I thought lacked for the "final against the grain pass" was
more a function of my technique and less a matter of the need for added
sharpness. Since both of my used blades (Ern Crown & Sword and a Wostenholm &
Sons Pipe) easily cut with the grain and across the grain, his advice made
sense. I worked more on my technique and now regularly shave from start to
finish with a straight razor exclusively. (I fall back to other shaving tools
only when pressed for time.) My speed and the quality and comfort of my shaves
are steadily improving.
Furthermore, I love the mug and brush, whether soap and boar brush(most days) or
cream and badger brush(when I have time to really enjoy a great shave).
The money I save on multibladed cartridges and substandard cans of
ready-whipped foam is an added bonus.

Much Appreciation,

Phil