It's been a while since I posted, but I am always around, reading and learning from you all.

I finally got my hands on a quality razor, marked 'Baubmann-Sohne' from Solingen-Germany.

The blade needed work, and being a cheapo I bought some sand paper: 1000, 2000, 4000, 6000, and 12000 grit.

After working on it, my razor shaved arm hair with ease. I also purchased an APART hone and after a little more work it can now shave arm hair without touching the skin (just dragging it through the arm hair).

I can shave with it, but not very comfortably.

My FROMM disposable straight razor is significantly sharper.

I use a decent shave soap and brush, and I'm familiar with straight razor techniques (using the FROMM straight razor for several years) and generally go for 1 or two passes with grain before attempting against.

At this point, I feel like I'm just on the verge of getting the razor sharp enough.

My strop does have a canvas side, so do I need strop paste? What should I do next? Just throw in the towel and send to a honemeister?

Thanks guys.