I think I can give you a useful answer to your problem/question but first the disclaimer: I have been shaving with a straight on and off for 28 years, basically with two razors, a 5/8 Dovo stainless "41" and an inexpensive Ross 4/8 carbon steel. The problem is that I am completely self-taught because, starting out I didn't have the benefit of the vast knowledge accumulated here. That said, there are some razors that just can't hold an edge regardless of your stropping technique. My 5/8 Dovo stainless gives me great shaves but I have to touch it up on a barber's hone before every shave or it starts to tug, not cut well and irritate my face. The Ross holds an edge longer but, because I'm finicky, I never go longer than a week. The honemeisters will tell you that I'm wearing out the blade prematurely ... and they're probably right. However, my rationalization is that each one of us is responsible for our own face and if I want to wear our my razors because it's the only way I've found to always get a perfect shave, that's my business. As to your assumption that the answer is a $250 razor, I do not agree. You can get a good shave with just about any razor if you know how to treat it, and that's the difference between a straight and any other kind of razor. Anyway, here's what I would do if I were you. When the razor comes back honed by Lynn, strop it and shave with it. If you get a good shave the first time but it starts to degrade after that, you need to get a barber's hone and touch it up. If that helps you get a better shave, then you have a Dovo that can't hold an edge, like mine.