Thanks hdbiker2000! You have an amazing beard! Not sure I'll get to that length, but it looks great on you:)

The biggest battle was during the first few weeks when my girlfriend complained about the scruffy look and scratchiness etc.

Now that it is growing in and softening,she has told me she is getting used to it and starting to like it! She's even taken to playing with it! lol

I find that if you get through the scruffiness/itchiness of the first 3-4 weeks,it all gets better after that.

Avoid mirrors,especially ones under very bright lights for the first little while,as they tend to highlight the stray hairs and patchy areas.