Well I just started getting into razor shaving right after christmas, I was getting great, close shaves and loved it. I bought a 4k / 8k norton, I have two dovo razors, a beautiful strop from tony, great brushes. Everything was great but I realized my razor would need sharpening. I also knew I had much to learn, seeing as no one I know personally shaves with straight razors (anymore) so anything I want to learn comes from you guys. Well I just got off for spring break and this semester rocked me, there I never had the time to fully watch the DVD for straight razor shaving, and I was dumb enough not to bring it with me home for spring break. I just lapped my stone and tried honing and my razor would NOT get sharp. I did 5 times on the 4k, 5 8k, 3-3, 1-5. It seemed almost as if it got even more dull. When I shaved it felt like I was shaving with a cactus. Surprisingly my skin didn't get terribly red but the shave wasn't close. What can I be doing wrong? Any tips for beginners for sharpening? Thanks.rrr