I plan to either send this one off to get honed, or possibly find someone locally who can get it where it needs to be. I might even just buy a new shave ready DOVO, or one of the shave ready units in the classifieds.

Thanks again for all of the information on strops. My wife is trying to convince my Father in-law togive up his old straight and accessories, which might be another valid alternative. Either way I guess I'm in for a long ride.

As far as the shave. I know it was not anywhere near what it could be. However, other than a little more tugging than I expected I was suprised how close it shaved with what little work I put into it. I can only imagine what it is like shaving with a properly prepared straight, but hope to find out before too long.

Unfortunately I'll be back to the electric and the Gillette fusions until I can convince my wife to let me spend some more $$$ on gear.