Got my norton today from howard. Soaked it and sat down for 30 minutes and worked on an Ebay Frederick Reynolds til it passed HHT. Dont have the #1 I ordered from Tony yet, but I couldnt wait. I got out an old soft leather belt I had and gave it about 30 or so passes. Filled the sink with hot water. Put my mug with soap in it and put my brush in the mug with hot water covering the bristles and soap. Took a hot shower. Got out and stropped the razor again. lathered up and went to work. Did 3 passes:With, Against, Across. Not quite smooth as a baby's backside, but darn close. I hope it only gets better. Finished up with some toner and bay rum. Feel like a new man all my tension just melted. Oh and just a couple little dots of red didnt even need the stypic. The same as I might have gotten from a cartridge razor. I am just overwhelmed with the difference. A little luxury is kinda nice compared to the quick shaves I was doing with just water with the Mach 3. Cant believe what I have been missing. I think I may be a lifelong convert! Thanks for providing all the wonderful information this page provides. Now cant wait for the TM strop and colleens soap to come. Time to save for a Badger brush. Just thought I would share.