I'm glad to see that you got this one up to speed. Pre-honed/shave ready razors are in the eyes of the beholder/honer. What was unsatisfactory to you may have been very satisfactory to other clients. That's one reason why I always hone a new razor when I receive it, whether it was pre-honed or not- and no matter who did it, because at least then I can bring it up to an equal place with my other razors.