I am a newbie and I bought one of these and just got it today. I gave it 20 lashes over a 12000 waterstone and then gave it 30 strokes on a strop with white rouge and 40 on bare leather strop (no compound, just oiled the strop with neatsfoot oil). This thing has gotten scary sharp. Anyone who is new to a straight razor and wants to try it without spending alot really needs to go get one of these while there are a few left. I like this one so much I ordered another one!