When I got the Smith's Honing Solution, I put 4-6 drops on my Charnley Forest stone & just enough water. After I did about 50 passes, it started dissipating so I added a few more drops of water. I did another 25 passes & it needed a few more drops of water so I added a few more to make it consistent enough. I got to 100 strokes & stopped but as I did them all, I did them very slowly & took my time. The results were very well worth it. I stropped it & when I shaved, I couldn't even tell that it was cutting hair, not one bit of tugging or pulling at all, just smooth cutting!!!