Thanks for the advice,

How ever it's a little conflicting as to sharpness of the razor. The razor was opened before I bought it, it was sitting in it's little tin case in the display cabinet.

Would I be foolish in assuming that the honing was done to an adequate level (otherwise I'll probably have to acquire some stones and do my best - I live in Auckland, NZ).

I'll get a strop and that will probably make a difference.

I'll just keep at it, but likely not daily as I don't think my face would be forgiving enough (which means I'll have to use a *gasp* cartridge razor in the off days).

I've already spent a fair chunk of change and my better half would seriously question if I bought another straight now..