Think you're on to something, Tim. Took the Shumate razor I shaved with on Tuesday (on two days beard growth), gave it 20 x-strokes on Naniwa 12k with one layer of tape. Added two more layers of tape and did 20 more x-strokes, then 10 strop laps on 1/2 u diamond, 10 on 1/4 u diamond, then 10 on crox. 100 strop laps on leather and shaved, once again with two days growth. much easier on initial wtg, which is where i experience the most discomfort in shaving. Thanks for the tip and photos.