Thanks for pointing me the direction of Badger and Blade BTW guys. I now have a Merkur 38C Barberpole (GREAT looking razor!), Badger Brush and a modest collection of soaps and creams. I'll be putting up a free newbie PIF CE razor starting kit in a little while, so if you're thinking of trying DE shaving, let me know. I'll give preference to someone who is a member of both the Badger and Blade Forum and Cigarsmokers.com.