Well,, Mark is right about the slowing down part,,, Guess i smooth shift more than extrude. And there are loads more ways you can do the modelling,,,,, thats the great thing about Lightwave,, and if you want the poly to be seen on both sides,,, turn on the option under the surface editor.
Good Luck, and Post your WIPs,,,, will be great to see your progress... Come to think of it,,, i should have started with something easy like the stapler,,, Duh! why didnt i think of that.... Oh well thats the past...