I really appreciate the complement, but without all the great advice from the senior members on this forum I would never be able to come close to getting a shave ready razor off the hone. I guess it just goes to show you that the pyramid method on the Norton really does produce great edges consistently and quickly (even in the hands of a newbie).

I just want to say that John P. is one of the nicest guys that I have ever met. Yesterday he spent a few hours showing me his great razor and hone collection and giving me feedback and advice on my honing. After this he sent me home with a Hess razor honed by Randy Tuttle (which is scary sharp) and some really nice razors that he honed (including a Dubbl Duck Satinedge) so I could compare their shaving abilities to my own. He also sent me home with some of his nicest razors including a J.A. Henkels 50, Dubbl Duck Wonderedge, Filarmonica Double Temple, and Joseph Rogers Wedge to sharpen and try out. I really can't thank this guy enough for his generosity.