I am new to this site and thought I would share with you all how I got the best shave ever, I like to make all my shaving supplies including aftershaves, soap, and straight razors. Well I bought the blade from the bay and made my own scales. I have been shaving with a straight for about a month and learned to first get a good bevel when honing, I use a king 1000/6000 to get a good bevel, and then use a Chinese stone, 12000 grit with slurry and then finish with 1u film. I then put a wet newspaper underneath film, another 30 laps for a really sharp edge, then use chromium oxide, on a paddle and finally leather strop about 60 laps. I got the best closest shave ever. So close and sharp that I had a chin cut I had to use septic on, it was the first time I used 1u film and I am a believer. Try this and I am sure you will get that perfect edge.