Ok -- So today was a good day....5/8 R. Aust....same stropping, but I think I did a better lather job (with the same soap) and all around it was a B+. Only being 3 months and maybe 30 shaves in, I'll take a B+ as often as I can get it. No nicks; no irritation. Gotta love the good days if you curse the bad ones :-)