How long have you been a proper shaver?

About 15 months.

About a year now, myself. I used to use a fusion but my neck was halfway covered in razor burn. When I discovered traditional shaving, it was one of those Rick from pawn stars razors. It gave a far better shave and the irritation on my neck went away fairly quickly. Then some months later my girlfriend and I took a trip out of town and there was an Art of Shaving there. $300 later... I was hooked... I also realized I paid a bit too much. Oh hindsight....

about ten years, time to times I have full beard. Even wet shave, my skin needs rest sometimes when shape is not so good. I like to shave, but I really like beard too, win/win to me

It's been 6 months and I'm so glad I tried it! Now I enjoy my shaves!

Almost 10 years ago. I purchased my first brush at Marshall Field in Chicago.

I miss Marshall Field - the State Street Store. I grew up in the Chicago 'burbs and once I was old enough to start driving, I made a trip to State St around Christmas time (because it's not really Christmas if you don't experience burning wind and lake-effect snow   apparently). I realize it's a Macy's now, and that might not be the store you're referencing, but your post reminded of bumming around that store at 17 years old in awe of the tree, not able to afford a thing in there at the time, but happy memories nonetheless. It's actually the first time I had a seen a straight razor. It was in a glass case, price-tag of $300+ dollars and I remembering thinking "maybe one day..."

Almost 10 years ago. I purchased my first brush at Marshall Field in Chicago.

I miss Marshall Field - the State Street Store. I grew up in the Chicago 'burbs and once I was old enough to start driving, I made a trip to State St around Christmas time (because it's not really Christmas if you don't experience burning wind and lake-effect snow   apparently). I realize it's a Macy's now, and that might not be the store you're referencing, but your post reminded of bumming around that store at 17 years old in awe of the tree, not able to afford a thing in there at the time, but happy memories nonetheless. It's actually the first time I had a seen a straight razor. It was in a glass case, price-tag of $300+ dollars and I remembering thinking "maybe one day..."

Monty, I am a native Brooklynite and I loved going to Macy's flagship store over the holidays. However, I also love visiting Chicago and when Marshall Field (yes, the State Street flagship store) became a Macy's, I was so sad. It is NOT the same as M-F. It's part of the Mc Donaldization of the country, and the world, for that matter. As I said, sad.