I agree big...either call lynn or tony buy a shave ready razor and send yours to them to hone and learn how to shave...when you get the razors back stay away from honing...the razors should stay sharp with stroping...you need more than 1 razor anyhow...go into archives look at lynn's shaving video...If your pres razor goes dull after 2-3 passes it wasnt honed properly to begin with...forget the hair and nail test try shaving stroke on your face...experience dictates little or no pressure on blade lift spline away from face just barely try it...increase the angle in small increments until shaving is smooth no drag or razr burn...If your face is sore give the str8 a rest for a few days use a mach 3 or what ever...