I am not sure if "Royal Shave" has somebody on hand to hone the factory edges or not. I would get it honed by somebody here and ASK THEM TO STROP IT FOR YOU. This will let you know if you kill the edge by too much pressure on the strop. You would also do well to pick up a less expensive shave ready straight from the classifieds here to have as a back up for when you send a razor out for honing. Try finding a member near you as one on one face time can do wonders in this adventure. Good luck and shave smooth.