Ok, I'm a believer.

I just received my strop from Tony Miller today pasted with 1.0 micron diamond on one side and 0.5 micron chromium oxide on the other. I read the instructions and followed them as best as I could, and then shaved to test the results.

I was pleased.

This was my first straight razor shave that didn't hurt! I can't explain how happy this made me. I will admit that the shave still wasn't quite as close all over as the shave I get with my Double Edge, but it was almost as close. I'm convinced this is fixable. Maybe I just need to give it a few more stropping sessions on the .05 micron, or maybe I just need to practice my technique more. I don't know, but I know that the shave didn't hurt and I can live with that.

Thanks to everyone for the excellent adivse!!!