My "grey" translucent Arkansas arrived from the US and took virtually no lapping - thanks Dan's - so after about 400 laps with an old razor it was starting to get a nice gloss on the surface. I took a blade I had honed the other day on my Soft - hard and Surgical black which was extremely good and gave it 100 laps on the 5x2 Trans Arkansas. Oh boy I really have the progression I'm after now. This blade is so sticky on the thumb pad. I've always liked hand honing but bigger hones felt a bit awkward while this one is just right for me. Great hone.