Congratulations! Feels good doesn't it? You can make a pasted strop for under $5 complete with a piece of scrap leather from the local leather shop and a piece of wood. I don't remember seeing information anywhere on how many passes it takes to get a really smooth shave, but I generally have a problem on the right and left side of my chin. Some days I can get a smooth shave with 3 passes and others it takes 6. But who cares? If you find you can't live with that then please send your razor to me and I will dispose of it for you. Just kidding!!!! Good luck and that's a nice looking razor.

Ray