This is my 3rd try on the hone. The first time i didnt like the results. The 2nd time i though i could see some promise. I did the left side of my face. Then did 100 laps with water only. 80 on my strop. While doing the laps i felt a tiny irritations from the side i just shaved. But still a close shave on that pass. So i shaved the right side. Even though the left side was smooth which is also the easier side to get smooth. The right was smoother. I did my second pass and i recieved and awesome close shave. BBS Even got my though spot, my jaw line. Not many razor can do that!