My barber loaned me hers (she doesn't use real str8s anymore) as my blade was starting to pull even w/ 100+ passes on linen. I gave it 6 strokes dry & 4 w/ lather. Stropped and shaved. Much improved! Passed HHT and cut well except for my chin... (Started a seperate thread about that ) I gave it another 5 dry strokes & stropped. We'll see how it goes tomorrow... I'm taking it easy to avoid overhoning since I've read that they're pretty fast cutters. Cheers!