Hey Guys, I know that my blade needs a bit of a touch up when the stroke on my philtrum (yes I did have to look it up) gets a bit tuggy.I find it is one of the most sensitive parts of my face to shave and I can use any part of the blade to take the stroke.Sounds like you are doing an inordinate amount of work, I will usually tree top a few arm hairs to check the blade is pining nicely but only after a hone.Have a look at the Beginners, 1K shave http://straightrazorpalace.com/honin...shave.htmlThis seems like a really good place to start and it has a fair bit of information on various stones as well as when the bevel is set.