I had been having trouble with rash and nicks trying to get used to str8 shaving for weeks when the other day I dropped my razor while stropping. It landed on the carpet mat on the floor, so I picked it up and resumed stropping. To my dismay, I heard an unfamiliar sound and a tell-tale scuff appeared on the strop after the first pass. Upon close examination, I discovered a small ding on the edge near the toe.

I knew this was going to take a re-hone. I purchased a coticule and slurry stone and figured it was about time I tried my hand at honing anyway, so I went to town. Thankfully, there is so much information available on SRP what with videos and forums and wiki's having to do with honing, so I was able to avoid a lot of pitfalls that ordinarily I would have fallen victim. After carefully and slowly working my way from milky slurry to lighter slurry to water only, then to CrOx balsa, then to Ferrous Oxide balsa, then linen, then leather, I was able to get the edge to the point where the hanging hair fell silently all along the blade at the slightest touch! The final test was the smoothest str8 shave I've experienced since I started!

I still have a long way to go as far as honing my technique, but it feels good to have achieved such a milestone under my own devices. Thanks to all of you who selflessly share your experience and expertise with us newbies. It makes the difference between having a positive experience, or one in which someone might just as well give up and go back to what they were doing. Someday I hope to be able to do the same and help along some newcomers.