Well, I've had a long standing issue (somewhat still going on). I've been able to get only 2 maybe 3 shaves before having to go to the pasted paddle (I don't use i t anymore since I got the Norton). Much of my problem was in the stropping.
Now, I've been able to extend that to 5 or 6 shaves before needing the Norton. I've learned that I can improve that by proper stropping which I'm still learning.
I can't figure out why I'm not getting the 4-6 weeks others do but I know stropping is the key. I've come along way but have a long way to go.
The barber's test I posted seems to help me determine better when that edge needs something more than just a strop but I'm also still learning sensitivity on my thumb. I do pretty good at testing the edge off the hone but the thumbpad test is a little more tricky. For example, I have been testing and noticed that I could feel the blade stick and move with my thumb. Tonight, I noticed that I could feel (on moistened thumbpad) that the edge felt as if it was shaving off my thumbprint.
I think I will credit what minimal success I've been achieving to the barber's thumb and thumbnail tests. Of course, there is the possibility, which I think is very real, that I am going to the hone more than I actually need to because I haven't completely learned the sensations for the thumbpad test. (I know, I need sensitivity training :) )
I say this because I get different sensations on my thumb but the shave doesn't always feel much different.
Because of those tests, I guess I can say I've gone from 2-3 per week needing to hone to 3x per month. Not great, but on my way.
Hope that confusing answer helps a little. Please, remember I'm still very new and still have much to learn.