It wasn't sold as "shave ready" it was an estate purchase. It was just in great shape when I got it all I did was strop it up a bit. I did read up a little more on stropping because I am used to stropping my carving knifes and chisels and found I was using too much pressure. I spent a while last night working on my technique with a lot softer touch and got it to pass the HHT. I will try shaving with it again this weekend and give you an update. Hopefully it won't be like mowing the yard again!