This thread has been very encouraging for me... I have been frustrated and depressed because I can't get a particular blade (W Greaves and Sons Sheaf Works razor) sharp enough to shave my arm hairs !! It's nice to read here that I am not the only one, AND that it is not as easy as the videos make it look. I happen to have another blade that I can get fairly sharp, but still not "shave ready" - it shaves arm hairs, but it's dull and you have to press too hard. I have a third blade that I bought here shave ready - I keep it pristine and use it as my gauge of how a sharp blade should feel. I think I'll look for a mentor in Tallahassee. It's been a blessing to read these posts.