+1 to Glen, a lot of variables being thrown into the equation at one time; which if something isn't right you really don't know where to start to solve the problem. The lapping films are usually used adhered to plate glass or marble tile, but the strokes are usually done w/ a honing stroke and not a stropping. You can go down pretty low w/ the micron ratings... 0.25 I have heard almost makes the edge brittle, and can be too sharp and irritating for some. Most of what I have read pretty much describes the films as a replacement or supplement to stones, but stropping on just plain leather will be something you need to do anyway. The most common progression I've seen has usually been; 5u, 3u, 1u, 0.5u, crox to smooth out the edge, then strop on leather or 0.25u then strop on leather.