Three months in and I can proficiently shave and strop. I guess I'll get a Norton soon. I find the stropping (hanging and pasted paddle) to be relaxing and rewarding when it shaves well.

Question for you metallurgists: what differenciates Swedish carbon steel from English Sheffield? Does the country of origin set it apart or are the Swedes known for different techniques in cutlery? For a thick beard like mine, which would be an ideal steel that can hold up to my daily torture?

-Rob