Guys, I think I found out where my problem was.

Reviewing Lynn's DVD, I noticed that he was stropping from the side of the strop. I was stropping from the end of the strop. I got the razor out, adjusted myself to the side of the strop and ran several passes. It felt more 'natural' to do it that way. I even ran a few passes on the linen side, then back to the leather side. I also noticed that the spine roll is 'natural' in this position and I did not feel the need to lift the razor.

The only regret is that I wasted the fine job Lynn did on my razor. I now have to either find a hone locally (barber's or Norton 4k/8k), or send my razor back to Lynn. Bummer!

As far as giving up..... Never!!!

I made my mind up that I am going to straight shave, and now I have to slay this beast. I will not give up.

There is one good thing that came about from my short experience. I was able to shave down the front of my neck without causing a major problem. I cannot do so with a cartridge razor, without major razor burn and a lot of ingrown hairs the next day. Actually, the front of my neck was fairly smooth after I got done with it, compared to the rest of my neck. No ingrown hairs today.

I hope a local barber supply has hones. (Fingers, toes and eyes are crossed.) I am eagerly wanting to try again tomorrow, but I know that I need to take a few days off from shaving.

pete_bogg