i started with the pyramid method and found that for me it was no guarantee of a shave ready edge. have since moved away from it to using the thumb pad test along with a loupe and a usb microscope. i'm still not getting 100% shave ready edges on the first try but am learning more what to look for. There is so much more to it than number of laps. Knowing when to apply pressure and how much is also a big part of it. Start with the pyramid and see where it leads you.JMHO