The back of the neck worked pretty well - supposedly the hardest thing to do for DIY - some nice instant gratification there creating some clean lines. The rest, not so much, it probably helps to have stiffer, springier hair like the guys in the youtubes to do the fades on the sides and back and I'll need a lot more practice with scissors and fingers on top although kinda got a feel for that. For hair like mine really need to comb it straight first, lesson #1?

Maybe a "5"? I kinda enjoyed it though and the grate thing is it just doesn't matter, nobody's looking at you anyway and it's just done. Furthermore, don't like something, just wait a few days and try again.

Used a Remington HC4250 which I had ordered, first it was to arrive May 26th, then May 14th, then showed up May 9th. $55 but figure that was one $20 haircut so it cost me $35.