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Bad angle would be the next point of contention. Also don't forget that a DE will leave you cleaner after one pass, but they're about even after 2.

Always use the smooth side.

If you lay it flat on the edge of a desk, it should do, just keep the pressure light, make it slow and do about 50 strokes instead of 30 you'd do on a normal strop.

If you have a smooth soft leather belt, it will also do the trick. That's what I used for a few weeks before getting my hands on one of Tony's pieces.

Nicholas, no wonder your shave was underwhelming. You should strop at most 30min before the shave, ideally right after you lather up. The difference in the results is amazing.