The back and forth sharpening technique is used by other honemeisters like Murray Carter and Howard at the Perfect edge. Note Mastro Livi and Murray Carter used very few strokes on the stones and hones yet achieve amazing edges. I was told by Murray Carter you don't get a better edge with more laps. If your technique is right then fewer is better. I will tell you that Mastro Livi's edge on his razors using the grit stones and strops he uses to sharpen them leave the best edge I have seen on any razor and I own or have owned 10 different manufacturers. Something to think about when you are using 40 or more laps on a strop.