Thanks to Nipper - who invited me to his home to show me the honing ropes. The 1 1/2 hour drive to Pittsboro NC was rewarded with a great lunch/afternoon honing and stropping session -one very sharp razor- one borrowed very sharp razor and a 1000 grit stone to set the bevels on my other razors. Have some lapping film onthe way from Rick Boone and with my beginner strop with linen/leather and balso with Chromium Oxide - I "ought" to be ready to do some damage. Thanks Nipper!!