As I mentioned before in my first thread on this magnificent forum I bought a str8 some months ago and returned it to the shop immediatly because it was too dull to shave with.

As usual I got the tip from the honemeisters here to send in the blade for sharpening by Lynn or others. But, because I live in Holland that was no option.
In the meantime I learned to hone by LX_Emergency. (thanks again mate!)

Yesterday I got a call from the shop (about 3 months after returning ), the manufacturer had said I could pick another razor from the shops stock. So I chose this time a Jaguar stainless friodur 5/8 from Solingen. It has a nice gold etching on the blade. And of course, it WASN'T shave ready.

But now knowing what I have learned on the forum, I honed the blade myself and I just finished the first shave.
It was great!
It can use a bit more work on the coticule, but I am satisfied with the result.

So, I would like to say to all the newbies out there: KEEP AT IT! You WILL learn to strop, you WILL learn to shave the difficult parts of your face and you WILL learn to hone to perfection.

After mastering all of this, just enjoy every shave as if it was your first.