Can't resist this topic even though the thread is old (like me ). I took up the game in a time when even the cavity backs were blades by today's equipment standards. Therefore, as soon as I learned to get the ball airborne I was shaping shots...every shape except straight. After a year of hacking and slashing my dad enrolled me in a golf clinic that ingrained basic set up and swing mechanics.

This leads me to my love hate relationship with todays equipment offering. "Super game improvement irons", hate 'em. If you need these shovels (at what they charge for 'em) invest in some lessons. Game improvements (old terminology - cavity backs) luv 'em...many of these offerings give you the best of both worlds...forgiveness and a club you can shape shots with as you develop. Blades...luv 'em (old terminology - Muscle backs)new terminology "players clubs" and the "Cut Muscle". Still somewhat forgiving and very workable.

The long and short of this is, once you have developed a sound swing, it is rather easy to develop a fade, cut, draw and hook simply by the position of your club face (square, open, closed) and/or your grip (strong, weak).