I commend you on your efforts. There are two things to consider. Since your new mayber your technique needs to be improved? Mine is improving daily. The next is your ability to hone the blade such that is truly shave ready. Maybe a suggestion would be tio send your beautiful razor to one of our many honemeisters to put the proper edge on it. Then get a one or 2 inexpensive razors on ebay or antique shop to develop your honng skills. When you get your nice razor back from the honemeister you will it to compare against your honing...