I have a very tough beard and have been using a straight for about 8 years. I have acquired 6 razors over the years in my rotation, all purchased new and professionally pre-sharpened. Although my newer razors are generally super sharp, I have managed to keep my older razors respectably keen and able to shave comfortably simply by performing a monthly touch up on my barber hone with some lather. I will use my norton 4k/8k only when I may have accidentally damaged an edge or if the razor needs a sharper bevel. I find that as my shaving and stropping technique has improved over the years the less I need to use my stones.