IanS:

I agree with many points...the problem was I picked up two razors (Engels) which were giving "fair" shaves, I doubt in all seriousness they were honed by a honemeister. Razors are in very good condition except for sharpness. I was trying carefully, following technique/advice given here to strop them but I was losing the edge from what the original was. I thought a quick hone might get them up to par again and it helped somewhat but still not what I'm thinking they should be after stropping. Which is leading me to believe my stropping is at fault coupled with the disadvantage of using a nine inch piece of 3" leather belt I had laying around. A good strop could possibly get me on the right track to stropping properly which would go hand in hand with improving the cutting edge. I agree I don't need to get mired down with slurry's, stones, grits, etc. at this point (I'll save that fun for the future) I just want a decent shave again and work my way up from there.

Thanks for your reply, I appreciate your views.

Willie